An incident on Friday thrust an unlikely figure into the spotlight across social media, as a popular streaming server gained notoriety for a controversial tweet. The episode touches on the broader issue of how political campaigns in Andalusia are shaping public discourse, with attention turning to a regional election dated 19 June.
The controversy centers on a policy proposition from a far-right party that would shutter Canal Sur, the regional television channel known for featuring many familiar faces in Andalusia, including long-time host Juan y Medio, who has hosted The Afternoon, Here and Now for more than a decade.
“Vox is proposing the closure of Canal Sur as one of its initial steps if it gains government power in Andalusia.” The party has highlighted a candidate slate led by Macarena Olona in the Andalusian elections, framing the measure as part of a broader pledge to reform media and public broadcasting. A spokesperson or supporter framed the proposal as part of a movement to end what they describe as manipulated television that, in their view, has cost Andalusians hundreds of millions of dollars.
The proposal quickly sparked a response on social networks, where a large number of users expressed opposition and voiced appreciation for the work carried out by public television. One Twitter user commented that the offer represented a distraction from the real needs of viewers, while others defended Canal Sur as a valuable public resource. The name Juan y Medio emerged repeatedly in discussions, with supporters urging the protection of his program and the channel itself.
The online conversation included a variety of reactions, with some posts calling for restraint and others urging resistance against measures perceived as targeting public broadcasting. Phrases such as those pleading for the preservation of Canal Sur and its familiar hosts appeared alongside calls for accountability and a broader debate about the role of state media in regional politics. The discussion illustrated how a single policy proposal can become a lightning rod for long-standing debates about media independence, public funding, and the influence of political campaigns on cultural institutions.