· May, 2012

Stories about Spain from May, 2012

Spain: How Social Networks are Cleaning Up TV

  25 May 2012

For several years low-quality content has been broadcast in Spain. Called "telebasura" in Spanish or simply trash TV, it has been a very profitable business model for its low cost production and wide audience reach. However TV trash is in serious danger thanks to an active audience that has used the power of social networks and digital campaigns.

Germany: #Blockupy Protests Against Pan-European Austerity

  21 May 2012

'Blockupy' protests against the austerity measures being implemented in the Eurozone shook the financial epicenter of Europe - Frankfurt - last week. Online social networks buzzed with citizen reports on the mobilizations that occurred under massive police presence and repression.

Spain: 12M, a Ray of Sun in the Midst of the Crisis

  18 May 2012

On the 12th of May (12M), the Indignado movement demonstrated not only that it is alive and well, but that it continues to have strong social support. The square "Puerta del Sol" (Gate of the Sun) in Madrid is one of the symbolic centers of the movement.

Spain: Arts Also Blossom in the Global Spring

  14 May 2012

The arts have also flourished with the 15M movement. To commemorate the 15M's first anniversary, the 12M--15M events, and to invite everyone to take to the streets again, the blog # Acampadasol has published a series of amazing posters that reveal many of the reasons behind the protests.

Spain: “Neighbor, Wake Up, Evictions at Your Doorstep!”

  14 May 2012

As part of the profound socioeconomic crisis, home foreclosures and evictions are rampant in Spain. Author Elena Arrontes covered the eviction of a Bangladeshi family from its home in the neighborhood of Lavapiés, Madrid. Neighbors and other members of the community immediately acted in solidarity with the family.

Spain: Many Reasons to Take to the Streets on 12M

  12 May 2012

On 15 May in Spain the first anniversary of the 15M will be commemorated. The events begin on 12 May (12M) in cities and neighborhoods. Spanish netizens have been anticipating the commemoration for days. The hashtags #YoVoy12M (I'm Going 12M) and #ALaPlaza (To The Square) have been TTs in Spain and throughout the world.

Spain: #NoMoreEuros for Bankia

  10 May 2012

The web in Spain has been seething since it was reported that the government is preparing a plan to inject public money into Bankia, the fourth largest bank in the country and the most exposed to the real estate market. Since the crisis started in 2008, the government has supported Bankia with more than 33 billion euros. The current bail-out plan could be as much as 10 billion.

Spain: Madrid Preparing for “Indignado” Anniversary

  5 May 2012

The anniversary of 15M - which will be celebrated throughout Spain - promises a month full of initiatives led mainly by neighbors and town assemblies. The common objective is to achieve the political permanence on the streets of Madrid claiming the right to assembly and free speech.