Media Framing of African Refugee Migration to Europe: An Analysis of Narrative Constructions From Selected Global Media Houses in 2023

The framing of migrants from Africa to Europe on the global media is complex and quite obscure. The manner in which media tells a story is quite critical as it has the potential to influence the discernment of the public from different parts of the world. The main goal of the study was to examine how the global media houses portrayed African migrants to Europe in 2023.This was guided by two specific objectives:To examine the global media outlets' coverage of African refugee migration to Europe and to analyze the language used by the media to describe African refugees, assessing for bias, stereotypes, or stigmatization. The study was guided by the framing theory. The study employed a qualitative method design to conduct a detailed analysis of media framing surrounding African migration to Europe. Data was collected from all the global media houses with a sampling frame from three major media houses which included: The Cable News Network (CNN), The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and the Eastern Africa. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that, how global media houses cover the migration of people from Africa to Europe exposes the intricate narrative formed by a variety of both negative and positive views. While the CNN and BBC comprise varied perspectives to the issues, The Eastern Africa gives insight into the regional circumstances surrounding the migration problem as well as the humanitarian concerns. Across all the examined media houses (CNN, BBC, The Eastern Africa), there is an inclination towards portraying the African migrants in negative light, underscoring their impact on destination states. There were instances of Bias and stereotypes that could potentially lead to stigmatization. The study recommended that there is need for balanced reporting from media houses, there needs for some ethical considerations in reporting and that media houses should mainly focus on their role of creating awareness and advocacy.


I. Background
According to UNHCR (2015), the first six months of the year 2015 saw an 83% increase in the number of refugees and migrants that tried to enter Europe.Translated loosely, the figures point to approximately 137,000 people.The increase is attributed to the conflicts that happened in Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa (Moore,2015, Kingsley,2015).Currently, according to the figures stand at, 266,940 migrants and refugees, 97% of whom crossed by sea from Africa and landed in the Southern European countries of Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus over the course of the year 2023 (UNHCR,2023).This increase therefore, necessitated the European countries to adopt two tough responses in 2016 and has now hardened them even further.The first being strengthening external and Internal borders of the European countries and the second was to thwart any efforts by the refugees and migrants to enter Europe by restricting the activities of people smugglers (Kingsley,2015).One of the leading reasons that has made leaders to adopt tough measures against the refugees and migrants is the perception created by publicity that emanates from the global media.
The media has caused anxiety among both citizens and policy makers around the world (Laub, Z. n.d.).The global media serve as a focal point at which information is shared across the world.The framing of migrants from Africa to Europe on the global media is complex and quite obscure.Across the European countries, attitudes towards refugees and immigration have toughened in recent years.This is partly due to an upsurge in the numbers and visibility of migrants in recent years portrayed by the global media (Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) 2022).
The manner in which media tells a story is quite critical as it has the potential to influence the discernment of the public from different parts of the world.Media framing influences people's perception and in turn shapes their attitude and has the potential to greatly affect responses from other quotas such as policy makers and authorities (Human Rights Watch 2014).Therefore, a deeper understanding of how media portrays Migrations from Africa to Europe is vital in comprehending the broader societal consequences and for crafting informed and controlled public debates and policies.
The main goal of the study was to examine how the global media houses portrayed African migrants to Europe in 2023.This was guided by two specific objectives: To examine the global media outlets' coverage of African refugee migration to Europe and to analyze the language used by the media to describe African refugees, assessing for bias, stereotypes, or stigmatization.

II. Methodology
This research employed a qualitative methods approach to conduct a detailed analysis of media framing surrounding African migration to Europe.Data was collected from all the global media houses with a sampling frame from three major media houses which included: The Cable News Network (CNN), The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and the Eastern Africa.CNN was picked because it offers extensive coverage of news and events worldwide, The BBC was picked as it also covers a wide range of global issues, including refugee crises, with a reputation for investigative journalism and human-interest stories.The Eastern Africa is a regional weekly that covers news from all of the world with a deep analysis of issues affecting African countries and more particularly from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi; the East Africa also comprehends international issues, including refugee crises.A purposive sampling method was applied to select these media outlets known for significant readership, ensuring diversity in political orientation, geographic location, and audience demographics.Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.Findings from the content analysis of media outlets and public perception analysis, was integrated to provide a wide-ranging understanding of the relationships between media framing and public opinion of African refugee migration.The study was guided by the framing theory which states that; how information is framed through rhetorical devices can be used to convince people of the value of any given position.The framing process involves both conscious and subconscious processes of selection (Goffman in 1974)

III. Results and Discussion
Examining global media outlets' coverage of African refugee migration to Europe.
The analysis from CNN and BBC, offer a mix of positive and negative narratives around African refugee migration to Europe.The CNN in particular emphasizes the challenges and political tensions that arise from the influx of refugees while the BBC focuses majorly on the numbers of migrants and various government responses.The Eastern Africa coverage highlights the regional context where the refugees and migrants are emanating from and the humanitarian aspects being faced.Each media outlet contributes to shaping a complex narrative around this ongoing crisis.
From the selected sample of digital news coverage from CNN, the following is an analysis of the same.The CNN had several positive and negative aspects that were covered as analyzed below.CNN digital news coverage for March 25, 2023 with the headline "Sicilian Island sees record-high migrant arrivals by boat" indicated that; In February, a migrant shipwreck tragedy off the coast of Calabria in southern Italy killed more than 70 people.
Earlier this month, Meloni wrote to European leaders, saying it was their "duty, moral even before political" to prevent another such tragedy, and that a distinction needs to be made between migration and refugees (CNN 25th March,2023).
Coverage of such sentiments is positive as CNN highlights the tragedy off the coast of Calabria, stressing the moral duty to prevent further incidents.Prime Minister Meloni's plea for collaboration with European partners is acknowledged.
However, from the same coverage, the CNN indicates that; Some 1,778 people arrived on Friday, with another 267 people landing on seven small boats overnight Saturday, the official said.Previous years have seen higher numbers of arrivals but never this early in the year in the space Such sentiments are negative and openly focuses on the significant influx of migrants, on the so called "small boats", several of them in one night.It raises an alarm to the concerned parties.The CNN coverage goes on to highlight that while previous years have seen bigger numbers of arrivals, the current figures are unparalleled for this early in the year, indicating a potential escalation of the situation.Furthermore, Meloni's assertion that "900,000 people will arrive in Italy and are not welcome" stresses the strain on Italy's capacity to handle such a large influx, complementing a negative perspective to the overall narrative.
On the 16th of April, 2023 the CNN had a coverage with the headline as "Europe's migration policies in chaos as arrivals surge".This coverage had some positive aspects in it as the report underlines the humanitarian aspect, quoting Professor Jenny Phillimore on the lack of safe and legal routes.It criticizes the refusal of aid to stranded migrants but doesn't specifically blame any country.On the same coverage, we see some negative information that could jeopardize the safety and acceptance of the Africa refugees.It indicates that: As a boat carrying 400 migrants drifted, out of fuel, along a perilous migration route in the central Mediterranean last week, Italian authorities led a major rescue operation following the reported refusal of Maltese authorities to retrieve those on board.Passengers' desperate pleas for aid went unheeded for nearly a week before they finally reached Italian shores on Wednesday, along with 800 migrants stranded for more than 10 days on another vessel.
By the time the occupants of the first two boats finally reached safety, two more, both containing around 450 people, had been spotted at sea.Again, Sea-Watch International Alerted both Italian and Maltese authorities, it confirmed to CNN, but no rescue was launched immediately by either country (CNN 16th March,2023).
The above is a typical portrayal of the chaotic situation in the central Mediterranean, with a clear depiction of delayed rescue operations and stranded migrants, contributing to the negative perception of Europe's handling of the crisis.Such sentiments from CNN coverage could make other European countries to join in denying entry to the African migrants as they identify with sentiments from Italian government.
On September 15,2023; The CNN had a coverage with the headline as "7,000 people arrive on Italian island of 6,000 as migrant crisis overwhelms Lampedusa" The phrase "migrant crisis overwhelms Lampedusa" is a clear indication that the island's resources is going through pressure and inconveniences due to the arrival of the 7,000 migrants.While this is true by all means, it causes a lot of animosity, hatred and anxiety from the locals to the incoming migrants.The juxtaposition of 7,000 individuals coming into a place which has a total population of 6,000 humans emphasizes the magnitude of the issue of migration, rendering it as an extra ordinary and possibly uncontrollable scenario.Hence, such a situation calls for an immediate action that might most likely cause harm to the migrants.
Infact, the mayor of the island is covered expressing that; the island has reached a " point of no return" and the island's role being "put into crisis" which further underscores the negative impact on the community.The language used by CNN suggests that the island is facing an astonishing and potentially irreversible challenge due to the dramatic nature of the migration phenomenon.
While the CNN's coverage has both aspects of positive and negative sentiments, the BBC's coverage on the samples used focuses majorly on the numbers of migrants and various government responses.
On September 3rd 2023, The BBC digital news coverage had the headline as "Highest number of migrants cross Channel in 2023" The BBC reported on the official figures of African migrants arriving in the UK, portraying it as a concern and underscoring the government's priority to "stop the boats."The report indicated that; Official figures collated by the BBC revealed the total number of people to have landed on UK shores in 2023 now stands at 20,973 with 436 small boats.
The Home Office said its priority was "to stop the boats".By the end of August 2022, a total of 25,043 people had made the crossing, meaning figures were slightly lower than this time last year.Crossings often rise during favorable weather and this week's forecast suggests further arrivals may be likely (BBC, 3rd September, 2023).
The framing of this coverage by the BBC proposes a serious challenge showcasing that, such large numbers cannot be processed.The BBC mentions that, the urgency of the home office needs to be "stopping the boats".This is a clear indication that the UK's priority should be to stop the arrivals of the migrants rather than working on the root causes of the migration.
Emphasis shown by the BBC's language underwrites to a negative perception of the UK's strategy, which is possibly understood as quite deterring and lacks any humanitarian consideration On 19th September 2023, the BBC's digital news covered Italy's Matteo Salvini-the Minister of Infrastructure then referring to the arrivals of the migrants from Africa as "an act of war".The focus by BBC on these sentiments is a strong rhetoric emphasizing on the "act of war".The report also includes an image by an Italian officer signifying the matter as a war, providing a visual perspective of the whole narrative.The form of language used by BBC is quite confrontational and highly charged.By portraying the arrival of these migrants as an act of war symbolizes a situation that is combative and hostile.The BBC, while trying to show how serious the matter is should have shown some prudence on how to report the matter.The choice of words shows support to the sentiments and suggests a stern and deliberate threat, which contributes to the negative perception about migrants that is already out here, hence fueling an environment of aggression and hostility.With such contempt, having a constructive discourse to address the complex issues surrounding the causes of migration would be rather difficult.
On 1st October.2023, The BBC digital news had a headline as "Senegal's navy intercepts boats carrying 600 would-be  (BBC,1st October,2023).
The portrayal and picture of a stranded boat emphasizes the issue of barricades and difficulties being experienced by migrants even before they reach their last destination.The statement from the BBC news indicating that migrants were trying to avoid arrest by the navy officers on patrol, who stepped up their patrols, is a clear indication of increased measures to bar the migrants from moving.This can be perceived negatively as it shows intensified efforts to bar migration and hypothetically leading these migrants to take even worse routes to avoid authorities.
With the coverage of desperate moves being taken by migrants, the emphasis should challenge the authorities to take steps to help the migrants.However, it could also cause anxiety among the relatives of those who are taking this route as they are not sure if their kins would make it.The BBC's portrayals of the migrant journeys show a clear challenge and the circumstances migrants face and the lengths to which they may go to avoid detention or arrest, contributing to a negative portrayal of the difficulties associated with irregular migration.The bottom-line question is; Has this coverage helped or worsened the matter?
Following up with a regional newspaper that covers news from Africa and International arena "The Eastern Africa", several aspects emanate.The newspaper seems to take a totally different frame showing how migrants should be given a chance other than be condemned.It is categorical about its calls for action to address migration causes in the Horn of Africa.
On 19th February 2023, The East Africa had its news headline as "Horn of Africa faces migrant catastrophe".This item indicated that; The Horn of Africa is facing a migration crisis as about 1. communities hosting them (Eastern Africa,19th February 2023).
The digital news coverage underscores the work done by various humanitarian organizations in helping to ease the situation of migration from Africa.It is a clear indication of the commitment to address the needs of migrants and those affected by the matter.The call from the humanitarian organizations warning of a potential increase in number of migrants and asking governments to address the root causes of these migrations such as climate change, food insecurity, and conflicts is a clear indication of the intricacies surrounding migration.
The highlighting on pre-emptive measures before the situation escalates indicates a positive approach to addressing the challenges.
The newspaper's highlight on what is mostly needed such as finances and resources is a cognizance to the fact that more humanitarian aid is needed other than stern action.The affected communities should be assisted to resolved what is causing the migration in the first place.
On 25th March 2023, The Eastern Africa had news item with the headline as "African migrants in Tunisia say racism persists after crackdown".An extract of the coverage indicates that; In announcing the crackdown on February 21, President Kais Saied said illegal immigration was a criminal conspiracy to change Tunisia's demography, language the African Union described as "racialised hate speech".

US Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf told Reuters on Thursday that Saied's comments had unleashed
"attacks and a tidal wave of racist rhetoric", with rights groups saying hundreds of migrants reported being attacked or insulted.Tunisian National Guard official Houssem Jbeli said that on Wednesday alone, the coast guard had stopped 30 boats carrying more than 2,000 people.On the same day and the following day, four boats sank, with five people drowning, authorities said(Eastern Africa,25th March 2023).
From the above coverage, the president of Tunisia is framed as a racist, as his remarks have negative undertones about migrants which received condemnation from the world over.The digital news coverage from Eastern Africa newspaper is important because the African union described Tunisia's president's remarks as "racialized hate speech".The assistant secretary of of State of US -Barbara Leaf added to the remarks from African Union by indicating that there is need for a stance against such inflammatory language and actions.All these condemnations insinuate that there are people around the world at the global platform who are ready and willing to stand against rhetoric and discriminatory policies.This is a good portrayal by the Eastern Africa media house.The news items also showed challenges which the migrants go through while crossing the sea.The sinking of boats and loss of lives point to difficulties in monitoring and controlling irregular migration, posing dangers to both migrants and authorities involved in rescue operations.It's crucial to point out that while there may be positive elements in the international response, the overall situation described in the narrative reflects a challenging environment for migrants due to the inflammatory remarks and reported attacks.On 29th June 2023, the same media house-The Eastern Africa had news items with the headline as "UK court says Rwanda still not safe for asylum seekers".The items in the news had some positive aspects of the UK court's acceptance of assurances by the government of Rwanda that the refugees will be safe.However, much of the information portrayed in the items dwelled on the insecurity posed by this government.The narrative explicitly indicated that there is risk of the asylum seekers being forced to return to their home countries immediately they reached Rwanda.
Therefore, there could be potential risk of violating international principles which prohibit returning of individuals to places where they fled from due to inhumane conditions or persecution.Such news could hence cause panic among those due to be taken to Rwanda.
The news coverage concluded that; In the context of the deficiencies in the asylum system and the risk of forced return, Rwanda is deemed not a safe country for those seeking asylum (Eastern Africa,29th June 2023).
such framing of information posed a challenge since it brought the notion that Rwanda was insecure after all.
In brief, the description suggests that the asylum system in Rwanda is defective, posing risks to individuals, and consequently, the country may not be considered a safe place for those with valid claims for asylum.
On 27 July 2023, The Eastern Africa's headlines indicated that: 'We are dying': Migrants' plea from Libya-Tunisia border." The news item brought to light the difficulties faced by migrants at the Tunisia-Libya border.
An extract from the paper indicated that: The group of about 140 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are the latest to be taken to Tunisia's borderlands with Libya or Algeria, according to border guards, migrants and NGO workers who reported previous cases."Wedon't know where we are living here.We've been suffering with no food and no water," George said at the migrants' makeshift camp among barbed wire 30 metres (33 yards) from a Libyan border post on the seashore at Ras Jedir.He said he had been working as a barber for 18 months in the Tunisian coastal city of Sfax, where his wife and baby remained after he was forced out."TheTunisian police aim their weapons and say we are terrorists," George said."TheLibyans tell the migrants not to go further into their territory, leaving them stuck in the middle," George said, as a heatwave grips the Mediterranean(Eastern Africa 27th July 2023).
The coverage has positive elements as the situation of migrants is being shared and put out there for all to see.By shading light to the plight of migrants, there is visibility and support from the universal community and other humanitarian organizations.The concerns of inhumane conditions such as lack of access to food and water brings to light what is happening and could elicit some empathy from the communities.This could lead to aid and other assistance.The narrative from one of the migrants known as George is a clear indication that the stories are real, personal and emphasizes the point that migrants are real individuals with unique experiences.This contributes to framing of migrants as human beings hence fostering and understanding and empathy for their circumstances.
Finally, it is clear that these narratives from the Eastern Africa media house have done a great deal in shedding light on the difficulties and struggles that migrant encounter during their journey.Such exposure may lead to increased awareness and potential efforts to address these issues.It's imperative to note that while the narrative underlines positive aspects related to awareness and potential support, the overall situation for the migrants, as described, remains challenging and raises concerns about their well-being and safety.
Analyze the language used by the media to describe African refugees, assessing for bias, stereotypes, or stigmatization In the coverage provided by CNN, BBC and Eastern Africa digital news in 2023, there are discernible instances where the language used to describe African refugees displays biases, stereotypes, and potentially stigmatizing portrayals.Below is an analysis of each story from the three media houses and the language used by each.
The Cable News Network (CNN) Digital News items published by the CNN on Saturday 25th of March 2023 with the headline as "Sicilian Island sees record-high migrant arrivals by boat", has a clear focus on the numbers of African migrants coming in as opposed to what they are experiencing.The framing portrays this occurrence as quite unusual due to the timing.While traces of biasness or stigmatization cannot be overtly seen, emphasis has been put on the record number of arrivals and this could potentially propagate stereotypes of African migrants as burdening and overwhelming (Mylonas.2012).
The second news item from CNN published on Sun April 16, 2023 with the headline as "Europe's migration policies in chaos as arrivals surge".This headline as it is brings in a tone of disorder and chaos which perpetuates biasness against migrants and the plights.Phrases like "Europe's migration policies in chaos," "desperate pleas for aid went unheeded," and "authorities don't want people landing on their shores" all underwrite to a narrative of crisis and ineptitude on the part of the migrants and the authorities.Furthermore, pointing to all individuals inside the boats as "migrants" without taking into consideration those who are seeking asylum could perpetuate the stereotype that 100% of the migrants are just seeking economic opportunities and not fleeing from conflict and persecution The third news item from CNN Published Fri September 15, 2023 with the headline as "7,000 people arrive on Italian island of 6,000 as migrant crisis overwhelms".This digital news item has phrases that include "Influx" "a flashpoint in Europe's migration crisis".This kind of language brings a picture of crisis and devastating numbers.Such terms as "influx", "flashpoint" and "an act of war" contribute to an account of instability and chaos.Furthermore, the depiction of migrants as a threat only contributes to stigmatization and demonizing them.
Additionally, mentioning Tunisia as having "political instability" without clearly indicating the degree of this or the context contributes to stereotyping African countries as inherently unsafe and unstable.This is a biased portrayal of African's The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) The language used by the BBC media coverage, portrays African refugees traversing perilous journeys exposing the core biases, stereotypes, and potential stigmatization.
The news item published by the BBC on 3rd of September 2023 with a narrative on "Urgency to Stop the Boats "has language that shows a sense of urgency on the part of the European governments to stop the crisis that comes with African migrants attempting to cross over dangerously.Phrases such as "to stop the boats" and "unacceptable number of people risking their lives" imply a bias against the refugees, framing their actions as a problem to be solved rather than a humanitarian crisis to be addressed.Additionally, the indication of quickly removing persons to their home country or a third safe country could potentially perpetuate a narrative that is stigmatizing, which implies a lack of understanding nor empathy towards the intricate reasons that drove them out in the first place.
An item Published on 1st October 2023 with a narrative on "Senegal's navy intercepts boats carrying 600 would-be migrants" indicated some bias and stigmatizing sentiments.
This story highlights the desperation and risks faced by African migrants attempting treacherous sea crossings.Terms like "attempting the treacherous crossing" and "frantically jumping into the water" underscore the dangers involved in the journey.However, the portrayal of the refugees' actions as desperate and chaotic may contribute to their stigmatization, reinforcing negative stereotypes.Additionally, the government's plan to combat irregular migration through stronger border management may suggest a punitive approach rather than addressing the root causes of migration.

The Eastern Africa
The Eastern Africa digital news had several items published that could have traces of Bias, stereotypes and stigmatization.African migrants are depicted in a manner that could exhibit bias, particularly in the framing of their impact on destination countries.
The items published on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19 2023 with the headline as "Horn of Africa faces migrant catastrophe".
The language used here puts emphasis on the pressure placed on the receiving countries by the arrival of the African migrants.Phrases such as "putting pressure on the country's economy and health services" implies a negative undertone which shows that migrants are a burden.Moreover, writing that thousands of people leaving their home countries and becoming stranded on the shores of Djibouti and Yemen could reinforce the stigma of burdening crowd.Even though the report indicates the dangerous journeys undertaken by these migrants, the concentration on their impact to destination countries perpetuates bias against them.It is a portrayal of these migrants as a threat to the destination countries' economies and well-being.
The news item published by the Eastern Africa on THURSDAY JUNE 29 2023 had phrase such as "triggered by persistent insecurity and conflicts", "harsh climate conditions", "unemployment, political persecution and the downturn of economies, deaths or disappearances were recorded along the route due to hazardous transportation, illness, harsh environmental conditions, drowning at sea and violence, many more deaths and disappearances go unreported.Houthi rebels are taking advantage to forcefully recruit" (Eastern Africa 29th June

2023).
This language used in the story paints a picture of a crisis in the Horn of Africa, implying most of these migrants are expected to move always and indefinitely due to the conditions in the home countries.The report is good as it emphasizes on the reasons why there is a large of migrants leaving their countries.However, it also propagates stereotypes by portraying these migrants as stranded victims at the mercy of human traffickers or forced recruitment into rebel ranks.The language used by the media house paints a picture of the real situation being faced by the migrants.They use risky methods such as hiding in cargo holds or clinging on landing gear of planes.The report is good as it calls for attention from the concerned parties.However, it perpetuates stereotypes by depicting these migrants as desperate individuals who would do anything to run away from their countries of origin.The mentioning of migrants "running a gauntlet of drug traffickers" and "criminals" strengthens the stereotype of these individuals as very vulnerable and as victims at the mercy of dangerous forces.
Moreover, the narrative indicates instances where undocumented migrants are forced to leave their premises or those lucky to have been employed are laid off unceremoniously.This framing reinforces the stereotype of migrants being burdensome and unwanted in the societies they land in.It brings out the perception of migrants being a threat to local communities' economies and prosperity.

IV. Conclusion and Recommendations
The examination of how global media houses cover the migration of people from Africa to Europe exposes the intricate both the root causes of these migrations and the efforts that are being put to solve them.Secondly, there needs to be some ethical considerations in the reporting; Journalists and their media houses should be very keen when reporting on matters that concern migrants, considering the possible impact that their news coverage could have on the perception of the public and eventually policy makers.They should take into consideration the attitudes that can be formed towards migrants and respect their rights and dignity.Thirdly, media houses should mainly focus on their role of awareness and advocacy; they should focus more on raising awareness on the challenges being faced by the migrants push for actions to aid in solving the root causes.
4 million people are expected to move from Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti to Yemen and other gulf countries, triggered by persistent insecurity and conflicts in the region, harsh climate conditions, unemployment, political persecution and the downturn of economies.Humanitarian organizations warn of a rise in migration from the Horn in 2023 that could reach the peak of pre-Covid figures of 1.4 million.They are calling on governments in the region to act to address the causes of migration -such as conflict and climate change -before the floodgates open.At the launch of the regional Migrant Response Plan for the Horn of Africa and Yemen on February 14, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) appealed for $84 million to provide humanitarian and development assistance to migrants and the Qeios, CC-BY 4.0 • Article, April 3, 2024 Qeios ID: OQALSM • https://doi.org/10.32388/OQALSM6/13 Qeios, CC-BY 4.0 • Article, April 3, 2024 Qeios ID: OQALSM • https://doi.org/10.32388/OQALSM11/13 narrative fashioned by an assortment of both negative and positive views.While the CNN and BBC comprise varied perspectives to the issues, The Eastern Africa gives insight into the regional circumstances surrounding the migration problem as well as the humanitarian concerns.The CNN gives highlights on the political tensions concerning the refugees and the BBC is mainly alarmed with the number of migrants as well as the government responses to the matter.The investigation into the language used by the BBC, CCN and the Eastern Africa coverage of news concerning the migrants from Africa uncovers numerous instances of stereotype, bias and possible stigmatization.Across all the examined media houses (CNN, BBC, The Eastern Africa), there is an inclination towards portraying the African migrants in negative light, underscoring their impact on destination states.This portrays a picture of burdensome people hence perpetuating vulnerability and desperation Several recommendations are suggested in order to have fair and factual portrayal of African migrants.The first is balanced reporting; Media houses are quite important in informing the world in what is happening, and therefore, they should strive to have balanced reporting which gives an in-depth understanding of the migration crises while recognizing On Thursday Prime Minister Georgia Meloni blamed the rising figure on the "political situation" in Tunisia."900,000people will arrive in Italy and that Italy cannot welcome," Meloni told the European Council, while asking for collaboration with European partners to accept migrants and help block departures from Turkey, Libya and The mention of migrants being hijacked or forcibly recruited reinforces the stereotype of migrants as vulnerable individuals susceptible to exploitation and violence.Another digital news published on THURSDAY JULY 27 2023 by the Eastern Africa had phrases such as "Trekking through Central American jungles, the migrants run a gauntlet of drug traffickers and other criminals, there are other more desperate souls who hide in the cargo holds of Europe-bound planes or behind the landing gear, they are found dead on arrival.There have been cases of dead bodies falling from the sky as planes descend to land, undocumented migrants and authorities urged employers to lay them off and landlords to evict them, On the same day and the following day, four boats sank, with five people drowning, authorities said"(Eastern Africa,27th July 2023).