An investigation of the political and social content of mass media and the manner in which individuals and groups evaluate and use mass media is summarized in this report. The first section provides a brief overview of the development of the mass media system in Sweden, while the second section outlines the theoretical framework for the present study and offers an orientation to the types and aims of related current research. The third and fourth sections summarize the results of the study, and the final section presents a general discussion of the functions of the press for the Swedish political system. (FL)