Electoral blocks in Spain. A proposal of alternative model to overcome the conflict

Introduction: The relationship between mass media and political powers is always closely observed because it is about two fundamental powers for the satisfactory functioning of the democracy. In Spain (1983) began a practice during election campaigns: informative blocks fee, which still lingers today. It is the only democratic country of the first world that restricts the freedom of information, since one political organ (the Electoral Central Council) who controls the electoral information of public service broadcasters applying propaganda instead of journalist’s criteria. This practice weakens the democratic system and feeds the perception that the public mass-media do not accomplish the role of free and truthful reporting. Methodology: The research analyzes and compares the legislation of a dozen European countries on this subject to observe the different solutions provided. On the other hand, we proceeded to make a fifty interviews with experts (professionals, politicians and regulators) in order to obtain the minimum consensual elements. Results and conclusions. Finally, we propose a replacement model that will overcome the current conflict.