Minority Language Media and TikTok

Exploring Use by Broadcasters and News Outlets in Basque

Bibliographic Data

ID24227604
AuthorsMaddi Dorronsoro Olamusu (0009-0002-3341-0498, European Centre for Minority Issues), C Willi (0000-0002-0981-5068, European Centre for Minority Issues)
Year2026
Volume96
Issue96
Pages137-162
Publication date2026-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTreatises and Documents Journal of Ethnic Studies / Razprave in Gradivo Revija za narodnostna vprašanja (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0354-0286 • E-ISSN: 1854-5181
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.2478/tdjes-2026-0005
OpenAlexW7167257193
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited37

In the context of the rise of short-form audiovisual media content, this article examines how traditional legacy media outlets operating in a minority language are adapting to TikTok. While prior research has examined the use of Facebook and Twitter/X, the role of TikTok within minority language media ecosystems remains underexplored. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examines 26 TikTok accounts belonging to television, radio, and newspaper outlets. The dataset, collected in 2025, combines quantitative engagement metrics with qualitative analysis of content purpose, format, language use, and interaction. The findings reveal uneven performance across outlet types: broadcaster sub-brands and entertainment-oriented accounts achieve higher engagement, while newspapers show more limited impact. Overall, performance is shaped by both platform adaptation strategies and structural constraints linked to outlet type and its position within the immediate media ecosystem.

Basque language · media ecosystem · minority language media · newspaper accounts · TikTok · Journalism and Media Studies · Media and Digital Communication · Media Studies and Communication

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