Abstract

Bad News for Refugees analyses the political, economic and environmental contexts of migration and looks specifically at how refugees and asylum seekers have been stigmatised in political rhetoric and in media coverage.

Through forensic research, conducted through interviews and analysis of media accounts, a history of contemporary migration and asylum is written. The authors examine the various catalysts for migration, in doing so reveal how economic migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are often conflated by the media. They explain negative reactions to new arrivals, describing the benefit cheat, criminals and job stealing narratives that dominate anti-migrant discourse. Case studies reveal how hysterical and inaccurate media accounts act to legitimise political action can have terrible consequences both on the lives of refugees and also on established migrant communities.

Based on new research by the renowned Glasgow Media Group, this book is essential reading for those concerned with the negative effects of media on public understanding and for the safety of vulnerable groups and communities in our society.
'A compelling analysis of what is omitted from media accounts, which voices are left unheard, how simplifications and stereotypes are generated'
Professor James Curran, Goldsmiths, University of London
'Skilful and often brilliant exposé on news and media culture'
Sanjoy Banerjee, Column F
'An invaluable contribution to what has become one of the most emotive political issues of recent decades'
Lee Bunce, postmag.org
'Very informative and readable. It is timely and relevant following the orgy of racism in January with the press panic over an imminent invasion of 'Bulgarians and Romanians''
Margaret Woods, Socialist Review
'An essential corrective to the lies much of the media continue to spread about refugees'
Ian Sinclair, author of The march that shook Blair: An oral history of 15 February 2003