From Invisibility to the Public Sphere: The Hybrid Media Strategy of a New Party (Podemos, Spain, 2014–2015)

Authors

  • Víctor Sampedro University Rey Juan Carlos I
  • Rafael Durán University of Malaga,
  • Francisco Seoane Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
  • Alessandra Farné University Jaume I

Keywords:

hybrid media strategy, new parties, Podemos, public sphere, Spain

Abstract

How does a new party manage to move from invisibility to occupying a central position in the public debate? How does it gain the attention of the mainstream media and recognition by the public and the institutions linked to sociopolitical and economic power? This article examines the media strategy followed by the Spanish party Podemos in its first year of activity. We apply quantitative and longitudinal methods to analyze the attention paid to Podemos by television channels, newspapers, online press, and digital networks. Results show that the party prioritized antagonistic talk shows, infotainment, and self-produced television programs, which combined to create a viral presence on digital networks and led to its leaders appearing on mainstream TV channels. This hybrid strategy took the party from media invisibility to the central public sphere, though traditional dependence on favorable opinion polls and electoral success were also relevant.

Author Biographies

Víctor Sampedro, University Rey Juan Carlos I

Associate Professor. www.victorsampedro.com ResearcherID: AAB-2353-2020.

Rafael Durán, University of Malaga,

Associate professor, http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3293-314X

Francisco Seoane, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

  Associate Professor

Alessandra Farné, University Jaume I

Professor http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5431-9143 , Researcher ID: AAB-3450-2020

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Published

2021-11-14

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Section

Articles