News Media Reporting on Substance Use Among People of African Ethnicity in Three Australian States, 2003-2013

Abstract

The media play an important role in influencing public opinion and community discourse about health issues. Disproportionate reporting and misrepresentation of substance use issues among culturally and linguistically diverse groups can have adverse impacts on public perceptions of these communities. In the context of emerging media interest in substance use among African migrant communities, we examined the prevalence, characteristics and construction of print news media reporting related to substance use among people of African ethnicity. Relevant newspaper articles were identified through a systematic search of state-wide, regional and local community newspapers in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland between 2003 and 2013. Descriptive analyses of the key content of the articles were conducted, as well as a qualitative analysis of important themes and linguistic constructs within the articles. Fifty-seven unique articles were identified. The most commonly identified substance was alcohol, which was mentioned in 68% of the articles. Most articles (81%) described specific incidents, with the key issues relating to substance use being violence (mentioned in 47% of articles), crime (32%) and drink-driving (29%). The refugee background of significant individuals in the incidents was emphasised, with these individuals constructed as either 'made vulnerable' by their refugee experiences and therefore deserving of sympathy, or as having a disregard for law and order and a lack of gratitude for the opportunities granted to them through migration to Australia, and thus deserving of punishment. Australian print media's portrayal of substance use among African migrants presents these communities as unaligned with Australian values, potentially marginalising them further. Continued efforts to address racism and discrimination at the interpersonal and structural levels are needed.