Internet and Social Media in European Minority Languages: Analysis of the Digitalization Process

Authors

  • Carme Ferré-Pavia Autonomous University of Barcelona
  • Iñaki Zabaleta University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU
  • Arantza Gutierrez University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU
  • Itxaso Fernandez-Astobiza University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU
  • Nicolás Xamardo University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU

Keywords:

minority language media, digitalization, Internet, social media, cybermediacial media, media crisis, cybermedia

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the Internet reality and performance of European minority language media, including a comparison of the evolution of traditional media websites between 2009 and 2016. The 10 language communities are Catalan, Galician, Basque, Welsh, Irish, Frisian, Breton, Corsican, Scottish Gaelic, and Sámi. The quantitative and qualitative inquiry is based on the data of the complete censuses of the 10 media systems. To evaluate Internet and social media activity, as well as areas of improvement, we gathered information from an adequate sample of media editors and managers. The findings indicate that nine out of 10 news organizations have some presence on the Internet in the form of websites and/or social media. Compared with data collected in 2009, the average number of media organizations with no Internet presence has decreased from 29% to 9.2%. A niche of traditional media, however, remains outside the digital and online world.

Author Biographies

Carme Ferré-Pavia, Autonomous University of Barcelona

Dr. Carme Ferré Pavia is Phd in Communication and director of the research group Comress (Communication and Social Responsibility) in the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Is full professor of the Media, Communication and Culture Department and author of a variety of monographs. Her latest researches are related to television satire, citizen participation, media pluralism and to the journalistic field in minority language cultures. She is also editor and collaborates with culture and thinking magazines.

Iñaki Zabaleta, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU

Ph.D., is a full professor of journalism at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao. Phone: 649 736 879. He graduated from the City University of New York and was visiting professor at the University of Iowa. He is director of the  multi-year research project “European Minority Language Media and Journalism". He has published in Basque, Spanish, English and French.

Arantza Gutierrez, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU

Ph.D., is an associate professor of Audio-Visual Communication and Advertising at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao. She is member of the mentioned research project on European Minority Language Media and Journalism.

Itxaso Fernandez-Astobiza, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU

Lecturer of Audio-Visual Communication and Advertising at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao. She is member of the mentioned research project on European Minority Language Media and Journalism.

Nicolás Xamardo, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU

Ph.D., is an associate professor of Journalism at the University of the Basque Country in Bilbao. He is member of the mentioned research project on European Minority Language Media and Journalism.

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Published

2018-02-27

Issue

Vol. 12 (2018)

Section

Articles

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