Description
This research critically examines the portrayal of migrants in key Portuguese media outlets—Observador, Correio da Manhã, Jornal de Notícias, and Público—during the period following the approval of the EU Migration Pact in September 2020. Employing the securitisation of migration theory and framing analysis, this study specifically focuses on the visual narratives constructed through photos and cartoons. Against the backdrop of global challenges and heightened migratory patterns, the securitisation lens offers a nuanced perspective on how these media outlets frame migration issues. The study aims to identify recurrent visual frames and thematic patterns to understand the role of securitisation discourse in shaping public perceptions. The selected timeframe gains particular importance, given the possible policy shifts catalysed by the EU Migration Pact, warranting an in-depth analysis of the subsequent year for potential media impacts. By scrutinising the visual representation of migrants in the most widely read online platforms in Portugal, this research sheds light on the socio-cultural dynamics and potential biases within media portrayals. The overarching objective is to comprehensively understand how securitisation discourse, embedded in visual framing, influences public opinion and policy discourse on migration. Finally, this study underscores the power of securitisation theory in shaping the narratives surrounding migration, emphasizing the need to critically assess media representations for a more informed and inclusive societal discourse.
