Gibraltar local news media

Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. The British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication links. A series of talks were held by the UK and Spain between 1997 and 2002 on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, tripartite talks among Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have been held with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. A new non-colonial constitution came into effect in 2007, but the UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.

The broadcast media in Gibraltar are dominated by Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation, which provides television and radio broadcasting services on one television station and four radio stations. British Forces Broadcasting Service operates one radio station. Additionally, broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible.

The largest and most frequently published newspaper is the Gibraltar Chronicle, Gibraltar's oldest established daily newspaper and the world's second oldest English language newspaper in print continuously. Also, Panorama is published on weekdays, and 7 Days, The New People, and Gibsport are weekly. Other newspapers, such as the weekly El Faro de Gibraltar, are published in Spanish. In addition, Gibraltar has two prominent monthly magazines--Insight and the Gibraltar Magazine.