The portrayal of migrants and refugees in the Greek media
This study examines the portrayal of migrants and refugees in Greek media, focusing on how immigration is framed within public discourse. Greece has transitioned from a country of emigration to a frontline host nation for migration flows, particularly following geopolitical shifts in Eastern Europe and ongoing crises in the Middle East and Africa. Applying framing theory, the research explores how media narratives shape public perception, categorizing frames into identity-related, moral-universal, and utilitarian perspectives. Through an analysis of 160 articles from four agenda-setting Greek media outlets—two conservative and two liberal—this study investigates coverage of four key migration-related events: the 2016 EU-Turkey statement, the 2020 Greek-Turkey border crisis, the 2022 case of 38 migrants stranded on the Evros River, and the 2023 Pylos shipwreck. Findings reveal a dominant contrast between nationalistic and humanitarian arguments, with increasing securitization of migration discourse since 2020. Media portrayals frequently depict migrants as security threats, particularly in conservative outlets, while liberal media emphasize humanitarian concerns. This pilot study highlights the evolving media landscape and its role in shaping immigration debates in Greece, suggesting the need for further research to capture a broader spectrum of media narratives.
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Authors: Kostas Vlachopoulos, Konstantina Christou
