Fear, framing and foreigners: the othering of immigrants in the Irish print media

Abstract

Recent public attitudes research indicates that Ireland has witnessed both an increase in levels of intolerance generally and in racism in particular. Using a frame analysis approach this paper examines how the Irish print media have responded to the new phenomenon of inward migration in Irish society. Drawing upon a sample of broadsheet and tabloid newspaper articles from 2002 we detail and discuss the significance of eight key frames (five negative and three positive) which, we argue, are prevalent within media content. Furthermore, we argue that the predominantly negative media coverage plays a crucial role in the generation of fear in Irish society about new migrants. We hold that we are witnessing, within media coverage, a public exercise in othering.