This study analyzes 140 papers on ideology of mass media, using quantitative categorization and induction methods. Four main aspects of these papers are examined, namely, research standpoint, definition of “ideology”, distribution of research topics and an analysis of mass media’s ideological mechanism. This paper argues that domestic studies have several shortcomings, including dual academic standards, insufficient analysis of the power relations behind ideological phenomena, and uneven distribution of research themes. Meanwhile, this research area shows tendencies of systematization: Chinese academics have obtained a diversifed understanding of mass media’s ideological function, and put forward some comparatively mature conclusions. While varied research methods and research perspectives are adopted, scholars endeavor to rewrite the status quo of “the dominance of administrative paradigm in domestic mass media study” by applying constructive criticism.