Limits of National Discourse on a Transnational Phenomenon

Abstract

/ Although global migration is a complex transnational issue, media and policy discussions in wealthy regions often isolate immigration discourse within national frameworks. Using a Special Report on the BBC Online as a case study (and a ‘best case’ example of immigration reporting), this article illustrates the problems that are masked by ‘objective’ language used within the realm of national identity, and calls for media and policy researchers dealing with immigration to take a transnational view of societal transformations related to migration. In conducting a qualitative analysis that tests media frames against an established goal, this case study suggests the value of adding a normative aspect to framing research.