Framing of Refugees in Spanish Newspapers

Abstract: This study identifies the frames used in the representation of refugees by three major Spanish newspapers: ABC, El País and El Mundo. Using directed content analysis guided by predefined frames and summative content analysis, frames are ranked according to their presence in newspaper articles. After categorization, the frames are analyzed, and their usage compared and contrasted across all three newspapers. Analysis showed that refugees were mostly used as conduits for broader political debates across all newspapers. This study shows how representation of refugees are not always clear and may instead be used as conduits for broader discussions related to national media systems.