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In recent years minority languages have become an increasingly important issue in Europe and part of the general debate over regionalization. As these debates have developed, the question of minority language media has also emerged as an issue of importance. However, despite some studies of specific European situations, there has been little general discussion of the problems which confront minority language media. Discussion of these issues is important, not just to reach a full understanding of specific situations, but also to allow generalizations about the role of minority language media. In addition to these particular concerns, the study of minority language media focuses attention on the links between language, collective identity and the media and thus can make a useful contribution to the larger debate concerning the media's role in the maintenance of national identity. In this article several issues are discussed as a preamble to any assessments of particular situations or more general comparisons. First, the varying parameters of minority language situations are outlined, as much to emphasize differences as similarities. Second, the conditions under which minority language media are likely to emerge are considered. Third, the political needs of minority languages in relation to the media are discussed by using the concept of the public sphere. Finally the role of intellectuals in minority language media is considered. The article concludes by noting a series of points derived from the issues discussed which need to be considered when minority language media are being analysed or assessed.

Minority language media are increasingly being recognized as an important area of study. This article looks at what might be made in favour of such media - arguments that would be convincing not just for people committed to minority languages, but also to the broader population of speakers of other languages. Three arguments are developed. The first is from economics, the second is based on human rights, and the third concerns cultural ecology. Within these, and in their cumulative power, lies a convincing demonstration not just of the necessity of media in minority languages, but also concerning their importance to speakers of other, more populated languages. The situation of Gaelic in Scotland is described as an example of how these arguments might apply in the case of a specific threatened language, and finally the position of minority languages within the postmodern and globalizing world is considered. It is shown that, rather than being part of any outmoded world-views, minority languages fit very comfortably into the new global situation.

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