Media Narratives Shape Migration Policies Across Commonwealth Nations, Study Finds

Media portrayals of migration significantly influence immigration policies in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, often reinforcing restrictive measures through negative framing, according to a recent study published in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Studies.

The research reveals how tabloid-driven Brexit sentiment led to the UK’s 2020 points-based immigration system, while Australia’s security-focused framing continues to sustain offshore detention policies, supported by approximately 60% of the public. In South Africa, media perpetuation of the “job stealer” narrative has driven deportation policies.

These restrictive approaches persist despite humanitarian counter-narratives from publications like The Guardian, which advocate for asylum seekers. Such inclusive perspectives, however, struggle to compete with mainstream media dominance.

The study breaks new ground by incorporating African media contexts, presenting a more comprehensive view of how political, economic, and cultural environments shape migration portrayals in both Global North and South settings.

Social media platforms have intensified negative migration discourse through misinformation. On X (formerly Twitter), misleading content about a “migrant flood” reached 10 million views in 2022, far outpacing the BBC’s 2 million views for verified reporting on the same topic.

UK tabloid headlines have contributed significantly to public anxiety by using alarmist language such as “invasion” to describe Channel crossings, despite available data providing more measured context. Similarly, South African media frequently link migrants to crime, though this perception is not supported by national law enforcement statistics.

In Australia, migrants are often portrayed as welfare burdens, ignoring official economic assessments that highlight their net positive contributions to the economy. These portrayals sustain public unease and continue to shape support for restrictive policies, while independent journalism and fact-checking platforms struggle to counter such narratives effectively.

The researchers outline several recommendations for media organizations, including implementing more rigorous fact-checking procedures to counter misinformation about migration. They advocate for balanced reporting that incorporates diverse perspectives, including migrants’ voices, policymakers, and community stakeholders.

For journalists, the study recommends specialized training on ethical migration reporting and greater use of data-driven storytelling. One example cited was highlighting migrants’ £3.2 billion fiscal contribution to the UK economy, which could strengthen evidence-based public discourse.

The study also emphasizes that policymakers should prioritize empirical data over sensationalist narratives when crafting immigration policies. Tunisia’s media-policy partnerships demonstrate how responsible coverage can reduce bias and misinformation.

Advocacy groups play a vital role in promoting inclusive narratives through partnerships with media outlets. Digital campaigns, such as WhatsApp-based storytelling, have been effective in countering smugglers’ false promises and misinformation by sharing authentic migrant stories. Community-based awareness programs like Nigeria’s Know Migration initiative have reduced migration rumors by 30% while building resilience against xenophobia.

The researchers conclude that responsible journalism grounded in empirical data is critical to challenge myths and promote integration. They emphasize that media wield unparalleled influence in shaping migration narratives, which directly impact public perceptions and policy decisions across Commonwealth nations.

The study was conducted by researchers from Afe Babalola University in Nigeria: Oyinkansola Akinmade from the Department of Mass Communication, Olusegun Paul Adesanya from the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, and Thomas Chukwuka Omeh from the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies.