Last time: #StopTheFreelanceRipOff
Migration continues to be a massive issue in the UK, but how does the media impact public perception?
I went to a talk on migration and the media, hosted by the Media Society & the Conduit. It dominated the headlines this summer–small boat crossings and hotel protests. Around 33K people have crossed the channel so far this year - a record number, but international students have been the main driver in recent years.
I have mixed feelings about it. We need to stop the boats and asylum hotels - but go beyond the headlines to understand the story better. Balance control with compassion. I’m tired of shocking stories and dehumanising language.
Why do people want to come here, what’s their story? The smuggling gangs are a problem, but only part of it. They’re supplying a service.
What stood out to me:
We need people’s stories
Editors are fatigued by this issue, but it’s political correspondents covering it, not specialists.
People’s stories need to be brought to the fore. There are no specialist correspondents. There isn’t a single immigration reporter… in any news outlet – not even progressive ones.
There is a dearth of coverage involving human stories and voices, and I think that’s what we really need. – Nicola Kelly, journalist & writer (reporting on it for 7 years).
Language matters
Burden. Wave. Swarms. Invasion. Migrants. Desperate. Small boats crisis.
I’m really careful with the use of language because I think language really matters on this issue.
Describing what people are—people—humanises them and shortens that distance between the audience and the reporter. - Nicola
Douna H Ahmed, a Syrian journalist and refugee on what it feels like to read these stories and be in limbo legally. “I’m human after all, so watching myself be portrayed as a burden, a wave… I feel dehumanised.”
“I rarely see anything about the contributions, the resilience. I carry the contributions of my country with me. I came to carry the voices of people in Syria who couldn’t make it.”
She’s often asked how come she’s white and Muslim. “People don’t know anything about us. If you don’t know anything, educate yourself. Google it!”
📍Rob McNeil (Migration Observatory) wrote Reporting on migration - a free course with a good glossary of terms.
What can the media do differently?
Talk less about immigration and migration. This would be a massive win if you want more nuanced policy.
If you put something at the top of the policy and media agenda, people get stressed about it. - Rob
Manage airtime. We see the same people every day on our broadcast news. (Good to see Zack Polanski making his first party speech this week!)
Most outlets could employ a specialist and that would completely change the way this issue is covered – so it’s not just the Westminster bubble. - Nicola
Heartening to hear the Beeb is trying to do less sensational stories and focus more on investigative reports.
Someone asked what to do if you’re a freelancer working for an outlet whose political views you don’t support. How do you handle the bias you might encounter?
You do have agency as a journalist. You can push back. You’ve got to be strong. If you don’t push back, who the hell will? - Rob
There’s no quick fix to this complex issue, but we heard a lot of different perspectives, which is what we need. It’s about all sides working together to find a realistic solution - and thinking about what kind of immigration system we want.
▶️ You can watch the replay here.
I bought Nicola’s book: Anywhere But Here: Stories of the search for belonging in modern Britain. “I hope you get something out of reading this!”. I’m sure I will - I loved your piece on Deliveroo drivers.
I had a nosy round the Conduit and asked a few members what they think of it. I’d love a space to work when I’m in town, and I like their social mission. But it’s soooo expensive, especially when you have train fares on top.
A PAYG option or day pass would be better for me, but we’re in a subscription economy – they want you on the annual plan. They do open days so I’ll see how many of them I can do ;-) (spoke to Caitlin from Dorset who said she wasn’t planning to join afterwards but it just kinda happened lol).
One for a future post. If you’re a member – Conduit or other, let me know what you think.
N x
Next time you’re in Bristol you can try the traditional Afghani Wrap!