Shaping Perceptions: Securitisation and Media Framing of Migrants in Portugal

This research critically examines the portrayal of migrants in an essential Portuguese media outlet—Público—following the launch and approval of the EU Migration Pact in September 2020 and December 2023. Employing the securitisation theory and framing analysis, this study focuses on the visual narratives constructed on migration through photos and cartoons in two periods: September 9 to October 7, 2020, the month of the EU Migration Pact was launched, and December 6 2023 to January 3 2024, the month of its approval. The period was chosen to analyse the possible continuations and changes after the debate on the EU Migration Pact. Against global challenges and heightened migratory patterns, the securitisation lens offers a nuanced perspective on how these media outlets frame migration issues. The study aims to identify recurrent visual frames and thematic patterns to understand the role of securitisation discourse in shaping public perceptions. Given the possible policy shifts catalysed by the EU Migration Pact, the selected timeframe gains particular importance, warranting an in-depth analysis of the subsequent year for potential media impacts. By scrutinising the visual representation of migrants in one of the most widely read online platforms in Portugal, this research sheds light on the socio-cultural dynamics and potential biases within media portrayals. The overarching objective is to comprehensively understand how securitisation discourse, embedded in visual framing, creates a favourable space for public opinion and policy discourse that discriminates against migration. Finally, this study underscores the power of securitisation theory in shaping migration narratives, emphasising the need to critically assess media representations for a more informed and inclusive societal discourse.