ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIAL AND MEDIA DEBATE DURING THE CATALAN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

This research includes an analysis of the media frameworks built around the Catalan government's attempt to organize the referendum for independence from Spain on Oct 1st, 2017. Based on previous studies on the use of pragmatic and symbolic frameworks during independence processes, the objective is to identify the main interpretive frameworks, actors, and actions that starred in the symbolic battle over national identities, comparing (1) the media coverage of the referendum in two national, two international, and two regional newspapers with (2) the social debate on Twitter. The comparative quantitative analysis shows how the media prioritized emotional information and historical aspects, with notable differences between the national media and the social debate on Twitter. The coverage in international newspapers, however, was more similar to the debate on Twitter and had a notable influence on framing this public issue.