New research for the Mayor of London has found that overall London’s press shows good practice when reporting on asylum. The report entitled Reflecting Asylum in London’s Communities was commissioned by the Mayor to get a better understanding of the nature of reporting in London’s newspapers on issues concerning asylum and refugees and the potential influence it may have on readers living in London’s communities.

The report found that the sample of London’s press, covering local, regional, faith and black and minority ethnic papers, presented stories on asylum seekers in a balanced, accurate, wide-ranging way, which is likely to promote an informed debate about the people and issues involved. This is in marked contrast to the overall results of the analysis of national papers featured in a previous report commissioned by the Mayor - Media Image, Community Impact, published in 2004- which concluded that ‘unbalanced and inaccurate media images of refugees and asylum seekers are frequent and powerful, with the potential to increase tension within communities across London.’

Speaking on World Refugee Day, Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London said: ‘London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, whose history is integrally linked to the skills and energies of newcomers from abroad. Each successive generation of newcomers to London has brought new skills, experiences, cultures and ideas to the city, making us a dynamic and forward thinking city.

‘It is essential that the reality of the positive contribution of migrants to London is reflected in our media. Too often unbalanced and even racist reporting in our press can isolate communities and deny them of their right to fair coverage and voice. I am pleased that this latest report has found that overall London’s local press present issues, particularly on asylum, in a sensitive manner, but a great deal more can still be done. I will continue to push for accurate and balanced reporting on all issues concerning London’s communities and to work to expose racist or inaccurate coverage of those communities.’

The report also outlines a good practice model to encourage balanced and accurate coverage of asylum seekers and refugees in the press.

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