This paper discusses the evolution of comparative research in political communication that in its most up to date version focuses on the adoption of system notion taken essentially from political sciences. The paper will highlight advantages and risks in the adoption of such a notion. Departing from the criticisms that have been raised towards the volume “Comparing Media Systems” (Hallin – Mancini, 2004) I’ll try to discuss which consequences the adoption of the “concept” of system may imply for media studies, which the advantages and the risks. I will try also to show how the adoption of system theory may allow to place the actions of the mass media within a broader interpretive framework able to explain more extensively the relationships between mass media and politics
