From media to participation: the presence of e-petitions in Spanish digital journals

Abstract

This article aims to assess the relationship between digital media and participation in Spain, during a political crisis context that has increased the number of citizens demanding to be part of political process (COLOMBO VILARRASA, 2007). In particular, it investigates e-petitions platform Change.org’s presence in four different digital media: El País, El Mundo, El Confidencial and El Diario. In order to ascertain what type of coverage this website receives, it is analyzed a sample of 200 pieces in relation to the following variables: the section and the frequency of publication, the platform as a source of information, the external links from the journal to the petitions page, etc. The results of this analysis allow to check that the Spanish press does not make a critical reflection of the limitations of Change.org, but it encourages participation on the platform.