The Impact of Communication Policies in Local Television Models: The Cases of Catalonia and Scotland

Local media occupy key communicative spaces that link media with the small areas of the territory. The structure and ownership of local media define the features of the model. The reasons that determine the structure of local channels are cultural and social features, but also political decisions that impact on the system. Comparing two models of local television, Catalonia (Spain) and Scotland (the United Kingdom), one can find large differences regarding the business and ownership of media. Using qualitative methodology based on consultation of official documentation, interviews and non-participant observation, this chapter highlights the impact of communication policies on the design of local television models.