The Representation of African Illegal Migrants in British Media: The Telegraph, Channel 4 and BBC as a Case Study

Abstract

This article investigates British media representation of African illegal migration to European countries, mainly the United Kingdom. It focuses on selected media channels that represent African illegal migration post-Covid19 to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s inability to handle the situation. It aims to concentrate on The Telegraph, BBC and Channel 4 and reflect on their points of views concerning the influx of illegal migration. This study relies on discourse analysis and Edward Said’s Orientalism in order to examine the channels’ attitudes and Western discourse. The findings revealed that British channels concentrate on African illegal migration from different standpoints. The journalists of The Telegraph rely on YouTube to depict migrants and emphasize the failure of the political parties to control the situation. Channel 4 explores the rising number of illegal migration and the issue of Rwanda plan. The primary goal of Channel 4 is to depict African illegal migrants as ordinary people who flee their countries to find refuge. BBC has also a number of news on North African migration. It shows its concern about the rising number of illegal migration and the need for a solution.