Digitization, digital convergence and digitalization are well-known terms that have caused a huge impact on the media landscape in the last two decades. The embedded consequences of the increase of free information online or the lack of stable profits for media companies are present in the day-to-day practices of news companies. However, there is a lack of understanding of how the emergence of new players has modified the logic and rhythm of the media production chain. In this article, we try to identify a theoretical approach to analyze and classify the different roles and actors considered to be disrupting the media stage. Through a systematic literature review of more than 200 articles published in the last twenty years, we identify and define a term to better understand the nature of these new media players: digital intermediaries. Furthermore, we argue that there is a need for a clear taxonomy regarding digital intermediaries, paying special attention to the shifts in the news companies’ definition and delivery of value.

Este artículo analiza el uso de Telegram como herramienta de comunicación electoral en España, centrándose en los mensajes enviados por los cinco partidos mayoritarios del país (PSOE, PP, Vox, Unidas Podemos y Ciudadanos) durante las campañas correspondientes a los comicios generales del 28 de abril y del 10 de noviembre de 2019. Una singularidad de este estudio recae en la triangulación metodológica, con la combinación de dos técnicas de investigación empleadas: un tradicional análisis de contenido y, a su vez, un proceso de minería de datos mediante el lenguaje de programación Python. De esta manera, los resultados iniciales, que apuntan a un mayoritario uso de Telegram como herramienta de movilización y de acercamiento del candidato al votante, se refuerzan y contextualizan gracias a la implementación de técnicas de análisis Big Data que permiten profundizar de forma ágil y precisa en las deducciones del estudio.

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This paper aims to investigate Google’s role in European media sustainability. In order to understand the implication of this digital intermediary in the news industry, we have analysed all of the projects funded through Google’s DNI Fund from 2016 to 2020. After revising each report, we have classified the data available, including the full amount of money awarded, chronologically marking every new country added to the fund and all the media outlets involved in each project. We argue that Google’s role is truly beneficial for the medium and long-term sustainability of European media because it offers both financial support and a successful path for media companies to truly embrace its digital technology potential. However, it also has some added weight in terms of transparency (a key element in sustainability practice and standards) and press independence. Besides the existing correlations between the awarded countries and the changes that have affected media legislation in Europe, our findings show an alarming scarcity of information regarding both the continuity and the conditions of each funded project. Our proposed agenda for future research consists of an in-depth investigation of each beneficiary, which will entail several interviews as well as different case studies of all the participants in Europe.