Empathy Legality Politics and Protection: Framing Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the UK Press

Abstract

This paper compares the frames used in UK tabloid and quality newspaper coverage of refugees and asylum seekers [RAS] from August 2015 to February 2016. Specific and general framing devices were identified, and these were found to co-occur in coverage. A number of unexpected similarities were found, indicating a possible divergence from immigration related reporting patterns of the past. Moreover, the distinction between the presses with regards RAS coverage is becoming increasingly difficult to discern, likely driven by commercialisation of the market.