A great deal of attention is given to refugees and asylum seekers in the Scottish media. And it‘s essential the information we read is true and accurate so we can make an informed opinion on the subject. Unfortunately, the effects of inaccurate reporting are greatly felt by refugee and asylum seeking communities.
Misleading information creates misinformed opinions
A story on the refugee and asylum seeker community containing inaccuracies and incorrect information can damage the public’s perception of that community.
The press has the power to influence society’s opinions – and they have a responsibility to ensure the information they publish is accurate!
Challenge inaccurate reporting
After a complaint by Scottish Refugee Council to the Press Complaints Commission, the Scottish Daily Mail was forced to apologise for printing a misleading story on the cost of asylum seekers’ legal bids.
Unfortunately their four sentence correction does not undo the damage of a front page article exaggerating the cost of judicial reviews by nearly ten times more than the actual reality.
Back in 2007 Robin Esser the Managing Editor of the Daily Mail told the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights that: “The idea that they [Daily Mail journalists] are running around looking for inflammatory things to say about asylum seekers is wrong.”
Here’s hoping that their future reporting of asylum issues is more persuasive of this declaration!
Silence says it’s ok – But it’s not! So what can you do?
I often question information in the media about refugees and asylum seekers but I didn’t know there was anything I could do about it. But there is.
If you see inaccurate or inflammatory reporting about asylum issue, you can write to the editor and let them know that it’s unacceptable.
Counter negative spin with your positive experiences
We work with journalists to share positive message about what refugees and asylum seekers are contributing to our community. Do you or someone you know have a positive story to tell? Email us or call us on 0141 223 7927.
Have you noticed inaccurate reporting happening in the Scottish Media? Share your thoughts in the comment box below:
