Estitxu Garai Artetxe
29-04-2018, ARGIA.
Abstract:
In the same way as small but persistent water drops have the power to erode solid rocks, the models and references that the mass media expose us to, also have the power to erode our collective identity. The author of the article reveals how Spanish references broadcast by such media have an influence on us.
EUSKAL TELEBISTA’s (The Basque public TV’s) second channel, which broadcasts in Spanish, was created with the aim of bringing non-Basque-speaking viewers closer to the Basque culture. Today, however, it is Spanish reference sets what prevails in this channel. By broadcasting news from Spain, by asking questions about famous Spaniards during sports competitions, by discussing Spanish topics in their talk-shows, and by proposing Spanish references as conversation topics in chit-chat entertainment shows. Our public TV, instead of promoting the Basque language and culture, has become a powerful cultural-colonization tool.
