The audience’s relation with local television The identity and proximity as recognition values

Identity and proximity are characteristics that define local television (TV-Local). The close relationship with viewers makes TV-Local remain even with the massive popularization of social networks. The purpose of the research is to determine if the open-air TV-Local stations of the Southern Region of Ecuador generate identity and proximity values and how the audiences perceive them. This region brings together public, private and community television and the implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television is in the initial stage, therefore, it is a valuable space to diagnose the appropriation of television in moments of transition. The methodology used is qualitative, includes the review of documentary sources, content analysis of legal documents and the application of discussion groups. The research concludes that local television stations act as elements of cohesion with society that recognizes itself with the medium and as articulators of identity.