The Media in Spain

The media plays a massive part in the everyday life of Spanish citizens, much like it does in other European countries. On the daily commute to work it’s common to see everyone else buried nose deep in a free newspaper or queuing to buy national and local tabloids at the many newspaper and tobacco stands around the city. Keeping up to date with the county’s current affairs is a necessity for most Spaniards, especially as freedom of opinion and politics is such a big thing at the moment, and the majority of citizens are well-read about the current economic climate and political standings.

Newspapers and Magazines

One of the easiest ways to keep up-to-date with both Spanish and world news is to pick up one of the many free daily newspapers available. Usually you will find these at the entrances to the metro station, or along the main streets of the city or town centre first thing in the morning when most commuters are heading out to work. Some of the most popular include: 20 minutos and ¿Qué?

In terms of the larger press, there are over 100 different newspapers printed daily across the country with many more weekly publications also available. Many of the most popular prints are local newspapers, but those such as El País, El Mundo and ABC are printed nationwide and also stand as the most popular broadsheets purchased daily in the country. They do tend to be a little more politically biased than those in the UK, but overall it’s definitely worth picking one up every week or so.

Television

Television is not as publicly widespread as it is in many other European countries, for example Big Brother contestants are not regarded as celebrities as much as they are in England. At the same time, the main, state-run channels (TVE) are quite popular, and many of the documentary-style shows shown are worth watching.
Soaps are also not a major thing here in Spain, although they do exist. In any case, I wouldn’t recommend them.

The metro is also home to its own television channel which is shown both at stations and on some of the more modern metro trains themselves. They usually run news updates with Spanish subtitles, advertise events taking place in the local area and display current blood donation demand.

You can find up to date television listings here.

Radio

The radio in Spain has always played a particularly important role in Spanish life and is one of the most cherished forms of media in the country. Not only is this due to the high quality of shows and DJs which make-up over 900 radio stations in the country, but also due to its important presence throughout history as being the quickest and most reliable source of information. Throughout the civil war and subsequent dictatorship as well as the eventual transition to democracy, Spaniards have regarded the radio as their most important source of news and updates on current events as and when they happen. The true power of radio also became apparent during these turbulent times, as it was laced in propaganda both during and after the war, especially owing to the fact that many private stations were censored by Franco.

Nowadays, Spanish radio is extensive and extremely varied, providing shows to suit all tastes and needs. In addition, listening to the radio during your time in Spain is possibly one of the best ways to improve your listening skills, acclimatise to the speed and sound of the language and keep up-to-date with current affairs.
You can listen to a number of popular Spanish radio stations online here.

Social Networking

Social networking is massive in Spain; twitter, facebook, pinterest, linkedin etc. are all widely used by young people and adults alike. Not only are social networks a popular way of advertising events around the city, but they also work as a positive addition to networking; creating contacts and establishing relationships on your initial arrival in Spain. Additionally, Spain has its very own, invite-only, social networking site called Tuenti which works in the same way as the likes of facebook and allows friends to keep in contact and share links.

Furthermore, social networks are also the best way to keep in contact with family and friends from home, which is extremely important when you first move away. No matter how much you enjoy your new life in Spain, being able to be in contact with home easily is a piece of mind that can make the first few weeks much easier.