Abstract
This article analyses the role of media in constructing public discourse about immigration in European societies. Through systematic content analysis of major newspapers and television news programmes across four European countries, the study examines how media framing influences public perceptions of immigrants and immigration policy.
Key Findings
- Dominant media frames consistently associate immigration with economic burden and security threats
- Positive contributions of immigrants to host societies receive disproportionately less coverage
- Media framing correlates significantly with public opinion surveys on immigration attitudes
- Public broadcasting tends to offer more balanced coverage than commercial media outlets
Methodology
The study employed quantitative content analysis of 2,400 news items from newspapers and television news programmes in four EU countries over a 12-month period. Framing analysis was conducted using a coding scheme developed from existing literature on immigration discourse.
Implications
The findings underscore the responsibility of media organisations in shaping public understanding of complex social phenomena like immigration. The article recommends media literacy initiatives and journalistic guidelines that promote more balanced and contextualised reporting on migration.
