Comparative analysis of coverage of migration as a controversial issue

Subproject 4 takes an in-depth look at the quality of coverage of controversial issues. This study looks specifically at coverage of migration as a controversial issue, which is a major topic of political debate in all three countries. In terms of the relevance dimension, this study examines which interpretations of the problem’s core are conveyed – in other words, how broadly or selectively the media report on the various notions of relevance. In terms of the plurality dimension, this study examines how completely or selectively the media represent the spectrum of political positions on the conflict. The informational content is based on arguments that articulate normative fundamental positions (value frames). The differentiation of fundamental political positions is based on the cleavages that describe the lines of conflict in the three societies. In terms of the deliberation dimension, this study classifies the extent to which coverage of this controversial topic fulfills professional standards like factuality, argumentativity and responsivity.