Stereotypes, migrants and the media: an analysis of the Romanian press on migration
Stereotypes, migrants and the media: an analysis of the Romanian press on migration

Summary/Abstract: The economic and financial situation of the past few years has shifted the balance against immigration, turning immigrants into a less desirable section of the labor force. The result was an increase in the discriminatory rhetoric and in the use of stereotypes that battered the already severed image of migrants and minority groups and reduced their chances in finding appropriate employment and work conditions. This paper is a case study on the manner in which migrants are represented in the Romanian written press which discusses the power the media have on shaping perceptions, especially as it often translates into increasing discriminatory and violent attitudes towards migrants. The study is based upon four research questions: In what manner are migrants represented in the Romanian media? How do general media practices affect reporting on migration issues? How is migrants’ cultural identity communicated through the Romanian media? Is there a biased media discourse as regards emigration/immigration? The case study is based on two hypotheses: first, the use of stereotypes, prejudices and cliches by the media is determined by the type or amount of coverage and second, the use of specific themes, news frames and quotation patterns also influence the content of news delivered throug the media.

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