From small boats crossing the English Channel, to tension at the US-Mexico border, the migration debate is often framed through fear, crisis, and division. But how much of that is shaped by the way the media tells the story?

Journalists have been accused of reinforcing stereotypes, fuelling mistrust, and failing to provide the full global context. Others argue that tough reporting is necessary to hold governments accountable. So where does responsible journalism end, and sensationalism begin?

In partnership with the Media Society, join leading voices in journalism, policy, and activism, for a candid conversation on how migration is covered—and what’s at stake when the narrative is distorted.

Does the media inform, mislead, or manipulate public opinion on migration? And how can we move beyond headlines to tell stories that truly reflect the human experience?

Event Schedule

6:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking

A cash bar will be available for refreshments.

6:30pm: Event begins

7:30pm: Event ends

Speakers:

Rob McNeil is a former newspaper journalist and now Deputy Director and Head of Media and Communications at Oxford University’s Migration Observatory. He lectures on migration and the media, and researches migration news stories.

Douna Haj Ahmed is a Syrian journalist, human rights activist and refugee living in London. She holds masters’ degrees from Damascus University and the University of York.

Andrew Harding is currently the BBC’s Paris Correspondent, where some of his most notable recent reporting has been on the small boats, their attempts to cross the Channel, and how the French authorities deal with them.

Nicola Kelly is a journalist and writer. Her first book ‘Anywhere But Here: How Britain’s Broken Asylum System Fails Us All’ was published this year.

Ritula Shah is currently with Classic FM, she was formerly the main presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship programme, The World Tonight. She also presented Woman’s Hour and The World Today on the BBC World Service.