Media Portrayals of Migrants in the UK and Italy: Uncovering Racial Biases

Abstract

This study examines the framing of migrants from Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine in the media from the UK and Italy. It aims to uncover the differences in their representation based on the political orientation and nationality of the source. Using a mixed-methods approach, 60 news articles were analyzed from left and right-leaning sources, categorizing them by tone and framing. The findings reveal significant racial biases, with non-white migrants from Africa and the Middle East often depicted less favorably compared to white Ukrainian migrants. These biases in media coverage contribute to the cycle of discrimination against migrants of color. The study adds to the understanding of the media's role in the perceptions of migrants in media and calls for addressing these biases.