Audiences and networks: Consumption patterns of cultural industry in Spain

Abstract

Ever since the recording of data began, television audiences have been continuously increasing in Spain. A decrease in the average daily consumption per person of approximately four minutes per year has been registered since March of 2013. Is this a cyclical phenomenon or is it a forecast of substantial change? Method. The research places the Spanish case hermeneutically in the context of a society unified by the globalization of the industry of entertainment in a unitary market. We have used audience measurement techniques and public statistical sources, or those of private institutes, to compare variables in long-term intervals. The question posed is whether or not digital technology promotes a new "digital culture", or if it confirms the continuity of the cultural consumption. Conclusions: There is evidence that other media are uniting with television, there are no signs, however, that this possible change might imply a modification of the cultural patterns characterized by massive consumption of the culture industry.