The Digitalization of Minority Language Newspapers

Abstract

The aim of the present article is to analyse how selected minority language newspapers have been adopting to the challenges, as well as the opportunities linked to digitalization. This is approached in a long-term perspective, and thus also takes into account the most recent changes implemented as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysed outlets are Berria (a Basque language newspaper published in Spain), Der Nordschleswiger (a German language newspaper published in Denmark), Flensborg Avis (a Danish language newspaper published in Germany) and Nós Diario (a Galician language newspaper published in Spain). Each is characterized by a strong and multifaceted digital presence, in combination with the availability of a print edition albeit in varying frequency. The analysis is anchored in a broad theoretical reflection concerning the nexus between digitalization and minority language media, whereas methodologically it draws from three main sources: interviews with staff members of each newspaper, articles published by the newspapers in terms of self-reporting on the digitalization-related aspects, and available annual reports. With regard to the findings, the analysis paints a picture of the complex, long-term and continuous adaptation strategies of the considered newspapers to the digital context, with the pandemic period resulting in consolidation rather than in major modifications. Only in the case of Flensborg Avis can the issue of a relative deepening of the digital shift be mentioned, although this is also against the backdrop of previously initiated digitalization-related changes. Consequently, this comparative study offers a unique consideration of both kin and non- kin state situations, showing that certain trends can be observed in contrasting linguistic and institutional settings; however without identifying a clear best practice model.