The European media needs to “wake up to prevent xenophobic discourse becoming mainstream,” according to an Italian journalist specialised in migration.
Maria Teresa Sette will deliver a public lecture in Valletta tomorrow on why migration reporting is an “urgent challenge” for the European media. “It is urgent because of the xenophobic ideologies that are increasingly popular in many member states,” she told Times of Malta yesterday.
“It is urgent because we have a humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes in the Mediterranean.”
Ms Sette stressed that the media had a duty to report the facts and remain impartial and balanced.
“We should not ignore far-right demonstrations or anti-migrant sentiments. But we should explore the issues intellectually, not report just to please the audience and pander to populist, irrational sentiment,” said Ms Sette, a contributor to Corriere della Sera, The Sunday Times [UK] and Wired.
The journalist said that respect for human rights and democracy should be seen as universal values that the media should fight to uphold, particularly when they are threatened. Far-right, anti-migration parties appear to be growing in popularity across the EU, fuelled by austerity measures and high unemployment in some member states.
In the face of this, the media had a duty to stimulate informed, rational debate, Ms Sette said.
Journalists and editors must make a clear distinction between free speech and hate speech
“There are so many academic papers that show the economic benefits of migration and challenge populist perceptions. Journalists need to engage in real research and thorough fact-checking. Data is the key.”
Ms Sette expressed concern about sensationalist reporting fuelled by a need to remain commercially viable in the face of shrinking advertising revenues and increasing competition from free online news sources.
British tabloids and many Italian publications were singled out for criticism, particularly for their tendency to refer to the race, religion or nationality of non-whites or foreigners accused of crimes.
“Often on the same page there will be an article of a white person accused of a heinous crime, but they will be identified by their profession, not their race.”
Terms such as “illegal immigrants”, “invasion” and “flooded” also fanned the flames of xenophobia, Ms Sette felt.
In the modern media landscape, news organisations also encourage engagement with readers and viewers through social media and comment boards, presenting a challenge in terms of what is acceptable free speech and what could be deemed as inciting hatred or violence.
Asked about this, Ms Sette replied: “It is very simple – journalists and editors must make a clear distinction between free speech and hate speech. We should be very careful about moderating people. We should welcome and encourage informed debate.”
A public lecture entitled ‘Reporting on Migration: An Urgent Challenge for European Media’ will take place at Europe House, 254 St Paul Street, Valletta, tomorrow between 5.30 and 7pm. Registrations should be e-mailed to organisers MEUSAC today: info.meusac@gov.mt.