The Clientelistic Nature of Television Policies in Democratic Spain

When efficiency meets clientelism: Spectrum management policy and broadcasting model – The Spanish case

“…Several previous studies by authors on the subject of both radio (Arboledas and Bonet, 2013, 2014; Bonet, 2007, 2012; Bonet and Arboledas, 2011; Bonet et al, 2009) and television (Bonet et al, 2014; Guimerà, 2006, 2014; Guimerà and Blasco, 2012; Guimerà and Bonet, 2012) and the liberalization of radio spectrum, digital dividend or the switch-off (Bonet et al, 2008) offer suggestions of unprofessional and highly politically motivated management both in terms of radio and television. Studies by other authors (Ala-Fossi and Bonet, 2015; Cullell, 2011; Delgado, 2015; Fernández-Quijada and Arboledas, 2013; García Leiva, 2009, 2013; García Leiva and Starks, 2009; Massaro, 2013; Schumann, 2011) indicate the same kind of tendency regarding the future of broadcasting and the key role radio spectrum is playing.…”

“…The tender system is used, also known as the ‘beauty contest’ (Hendricks et al, 2011). This process and the different concessions made in Spain since the return to democracy have been permanently contested, criticized and doubted in terms of their objectiveness and meritocratic nature (Arboledas and Bonet, 2014; Fernández-Quijada and Arboledas, 2013).…”

“…PRISA, Godó, Mediaset, Atresmedia). Clientelism and the political instrumentalisation of the radio spectrum play a major role in these tenders, as each government (whether national or regional) tends to grant licences to the companies that it considers to be supportive (Arboledas, 2009; Arboledas and Bonet, 2014; Fernández-Quijada and Arboledas, 2013).…”

“…The winner of the three-and-a-half MUX was Onda Digital (operating under the brand Quiero TV), controlled by Retevisión, formerly a public company privatized shortly before by the government, and at the time headed by a person who would become a minister months later. The new private operators were Vocento and Unedisa, center-right publishers very active against the previous socialist government (Fernández-Quijada and Arboledas, 2013). Moreover, the model was clearly opposed to the market reality, and in 2002, Onda Digital went bankrupt and left the MUX that it had occupied free.…”

Clearing the skies: European spectrum policy and future challenges of DTT in Finland and Spain

“…Regarding the Spanish transition to digital, the television landscape was shaken by a new unexpected changevery typical in a clientelistic system, in which television is considered an important political tool (Fernández-Quijada and Arboledas 2013). In general elections in December 2011, PP returned to power, and the new government soon faced a new problem as the future reallocation of the 700 MHz band from broadcast use came up in February 2012.…”