Media Content

Abstract

Content and discourse analysis of media coverage about migration and migrants in European societies reveals that the representation of third country nationals (TCNs), i.e. ‘new’, first generation migrants without nationality of the EU Member States, in the 2000s is still problematic. This finding, based on a review of over 150 publications in five languages, and on 68 interviews with media professionals in six EU Member States, is shown through the predominance of negative and stereotypical portrayal, the negative themes often associated with migrants, and the lack of participation by TCNs in the definition of news and news agendas. These general findings can be differentiated for specific national contexts, media types, types of coverage, and migrant groups. The questions raised relate to selection of news themes and frames, the preferred genres for reporting or programming, the definition of news and main news actors, the sources used and quoted, the labels, the group categorisations, evaluations, news frames and discourse elements such as topoi used in media contents. These elements together are the building blocks for media portrayal of migrant groups that ultimately contribute to the perception of migrants and migrant issues in the public sphere. Besides providing a detailed analysis of relevant research findings and fieldwork, explanations, remedies and positive examples provided therein are also discussed in this report.