Characteristics of the Spanish podcast sphere. Between democratization and commercial logic

After an initial period characterized by experimentation, amateurism, small audiences, technological difficulties, and scarce funding, podcasting is now fully consolidated. The aim of this paper to analyze the characteristics Spanish podcast sphere: its structural, personal, thematic, formal, economic, dissemination aspects. To end, a content analysis 21 variables was applied 206 programs that attained highest popularity in general rankings Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iVoox during first quarter 2021. Along structural dimension, results reveal preponderance digital-native podcasts comparison with previously broadcast podcasts, promoted radio stations or those associated networks over independent ones. Regarding personnel involved, produced professionals from media other cultural industries are more popular than amateurs, while presented men women. their themes, related mystery and/or crime, history, entertainment, emotional well-being predominates. In formal sphere, majority exclusively audio programs, weekly Spanish, limited presence co-official languages Spain. terms most common situation production groups networks, followed monetization on YouTube offering additional services. Based all this, main conclusion study Spain has abandoned democratizing potential attributed it some theorists researchers beginnings become embedded largely commercial logic.