Using Hallim and Mancini's models of analysis to compare media and political systems, the article describes, classifies and discusses the brazilian case in the recent democratic period, having as focus the political jornalism behaviour. The electoral press coverage during the presidential elections (1989, 1994, 1998 and 2002) and the changes in regard to external and internal diversity of the media system are emphasized, as well as its capacity to promote a pluralist debate.
mass media; press; monopoly; democracy
