Changing Images of Refugees: A Comparative Analysis of Australian and New Zealand Print Media 1998−2008

Abstract

To assess the political climate, public attitudes and overall focus of opinion around refugee issues, a comparative analysis of print media reporting was carried out on two Australian and three New Zealand newspapers between 1998 and 2008. The research questions explored were: (a) What are the characteristics of Australian and New Zealand newspaper coverage of refugee issues?; (b) How did coverage change over time in response to global events?; and (c) Was there any difference in the portrayal of Muslim and non-Muslim refugees, especially post-9/11? The main findings of the study are discussed within this context.