“Mediatization of Migration” Workshop: Bridging Knowledge and Expertise
Bernadette Klausberger explaining the multimedia design exercise Image Source:Selma Blanken
On February 26, 2024, Migration Matters (Bernadette Klausberger & Sophia Burton) and Radboud University (Joris Schapendonk & Selma Blanken), partners of the GAPS Return Migration consortium, co-organized a workshop entitled 'Mediatization of Migration'. The workshop aimed to shed light on the impact of media framing of migration and its repercussions on societal discourse. It focused on the importance of counternarratives in shaping perceptions and practices surrounding migration.
Under the overall objective of the GAPS project, the two partners joined hands to bridge the gaps between knowledge and expertise, emphasizing the importance of de-centring knowledge production in multi-disciplinary ways. Migration Matters is a non-profit organization based in Berlin that provides diverse perspectives on migration and diversity to foster nuanced dialogue and combat societal polarization and discrimination. The Human Geography Department of the Radboud University seeks to make a meaningful impact on regional and international level by engaging in discussions on migration and borders.
On this Monday afternoon, approximately 30 students from various disciplines gathered on the Radboud University campus in Nijmegen. Participating in this interactive masterclass, they were equipped with tools to critically analyze and convey alternative narratives about migration. The session foregrounded diverse and creative mediums such as documentary series and podcasts, underlining the significance of inclusive storytelling. Facilitated by Bernadette Klausberger and Sophia Burton from Migration Matters, the workshop kicked-off with an icebreaker exercise, encouraging students to position themselves along a virtual line based on their perceptions of migration prompts. This activity sparked reflexive discussions on students’ personal connections, experiences, and attitudes towards migration. During the workshop, Sophia and Bernadette showed several examples of the visual stories they create at Migration Matters, such as "How many people migrate?" and "Migrant Lives in Pandemic Times: Bamba’s Story." These videos demonstrate their commitment to highlighting diverse perspectives on migration, including the scientific viewpoint of Hein de Haas and the perspective of Bamba, an undocumented migrant living in Bilbao.
Sophia Burton and Bernadette Klausberger from Migration Matters team Image Source: Selma Blanken
Drawing from self-selected headlines on migration, participants engaged in group discussions to analyze dominant migration narratives and explore framing impacts. Prototyping this freshly gained knowledge, they were then invited to brainstorm on personal multimedia production ideas, aiming to reimagine a particular migration narrative through alternative protagonists, formats, and target audiences. One group chose to explore a narrative around return migration, specifically regarding pushbacks, a practice that keeps migrants from applying for asylum and is in violation of non-refoulement.
Overall, the workshop planted seeds for critical reflection and creative exploration amongst students of the Radboud University and underscored the significance of examining media representations of migration. By examining dominant discourses and promoting alternative narratives, the session aimed to challenge existing biases and foster a more inclusive dialogue on migration issues. It aimed to empower students with the skills to navigate and contribute to discussions surrounding migration and inclusion. Moreover, the session exemplified the power of collaboration between different partners and expertise in addressing complex societal issues on migration.