Neighbourliness and urban safety discourses in Spain: a comparative analysis of local newspapers in ten medium-sized cities.

• In Event: Urban safety and neighbourliness in Spanish medium-sized cities.

Abstract

Traditional media, particularly the press, play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of reality in daily life, as they are fundamentally responsible for producing, reproducing, and disseminating knowledge (McQuail, 1983:59). At the same time, the press is primarily regarded as a commodity (Ramonet, 2001; Ramonet & Chomsky, 2002). This study explores the discourses surrounding neighbourliness and urban safety in Spain by conducting a content analysis of local newspapers from ten medium-sized cities. The research compares media narratives during the pre-electoral period of the last municipal elections with those in a non-electoral period, with the aim of identifying patterns, variations, and key thematic framings. Utilizing content analysis and discourse analysis, conducted with Atlas.ti, this study examines how security, neighbourliness and urban safety are constructed in the public debate and how these narratives evolve depending on the electoral context. Preliminary findings reveal differences in the salience and framing of security-related topics, showing how political cycles influence media portrayals of social order, crime, and community relations. During the pre-electoral period, security issues tend to be more politicized, with narratives emphasizing public safety threats, crime control, and institutional responses. In contrast, non-electoral periods present a more balanced perspective, incorporating social cohesion, community initiatives, and long-term urban policies. Differences between cities underscore how local socio-economic conditions and political dynamics shape security discourses. This research contributes to understanding how local media construct public perceptions neighbourliness and urban safety in Spain, shedding light on the interplay between electoral politics, media representations, and public debate. By examining the discursive shifts across different time frames and geographical areas, this study offers insights into the broader dynamics of security communication in contemporary Spain.

Authors

• Cristina Sobrino Garcés, Institut Metropoli

• Lohitzune Zuloaga Lojo, Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa

• Rocio Fraga Saenz, Universidade da Coruña