The MediaWise Trust

Refugees

In 1997 PressWise began looking for partners and funding to examine the consequences of inaccurate and sensational coverage of asylum-seekers, refugees, Roma and other 'non-settled' groups.

In 1999 we were able to launch the Refugees, Asylum-seekers and the Media (RAM) Project to promote best practice in media coverage of refugee and asylum issues. It is based in the UK but has an international dimension.

In 2003, in association with Omni Productions, PressWise produced On the Receiving End, a 15-minute film in which refugees discuss the experience of exile and reactions to media coverage of refugees and asylum-seekers in the UK. You can find out more, including how to buy a copy, here. 

The Exiled Journalists' Network was launched in 2005, to assist journalists who flee to the UK to escape persecution and to promote press freedom. It has taken on some of the work of the RAM Project, including publication of a regular email bulletin EJNews.

MediaWise/PressWise reports and articles

• The RAM Project 
  Archive of the RAM Bulletin monthly newsletter and our Communicator guides.
• Portrayal and participation of minorities in the media
  Speech by Mike Jempson, delivered at the Incore Race and Media Conference, 3 October 2007
• Reporting Asylum
  ICAR report, with input from MediaWise & EJN, on the efficacy of PCC guidelines, March 2007
• Exiled Journalists in Europe
  Report on the help and support available to journalists living in exile in Europe, October 2005
• Exiled Journalists Network launch
  Launched by the MediaWise RAM Project at the Burwalls conference, October 2005
• The RAM Report
  Report on the work of the RAM Project, edited by Rich Cookson & Mike Jempson, June 2005
• Media image, community impact
  ICAR report, with MediaWise input, about how the media affects people's attitudes, July 2004
• Making a meal of a myth
  Nick Medic investigates The Sun's 'Swan Bake' story, June 2004
• Reporting Asylum and Refugee Issues
  Guidance leaflet from MediaWise, in association with the NUJ and UNHCR, March 2004
• UK media coverage of asylum seekers and refugees
  Speech by RAM Project Communications Officer Forward Maisokwadzo, June 2004
• On the Receiving End: Exiled Journalists Speak Out
  Short film made by PressWise in association with Omni Productions, May 2003
• Directory of Exiled Journalists
  Profiles of over 40 exiled journalists, to help them find work in the UK media, May 2003
• The challenge of reporting refugees and asylum
  Report on RAM Regional events, compiled by ICAR, published by PressWise, May 2003
• Refugees, Asylum-seekers and the Media Forum 
  Discussion about media representations of refugees and asylum seekers, February 2001

Other reports and articles

• Chance or Choice: Understanding why asylum seekers come to the UK
  New research from the Refugee Council, 14 January 2010
• Ten things you may not know about immigrants
  Leaflet produced by the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Migration Partnership, May 2008
• Immigration Status: When Relevant in Crime Stories?
  By Mizanur Rahman, published by Poynter Institute, 22 April 2008
• Reflecting asylum in London’s communities: Monitoring London’s press coverage of refugees and asylum seekers
  Commissioned by the Mayor of London and produced by ICAR, 20 June 2006
• A matter of grammar and law
  Notes on language in immigration stories in the US, by Ricardo Pimentel, Poynter, June 2006
• PCC rejects complaint on Daily Express 'Bombers' headline
  Details of the CPBF complaint, rejected on 15 November 2005
• Negative media coverage - the same old story
  by Lionel Morrison of the NUJ Ethics Council, published by Amnesty, February 2004
• Guidelines for journalists on proper coverage of refugee-related topics
  by Lionel Morrison of the NUJ Ethics Council, published by Amnesty, February 2004
• Whats the Story?
  Article 19 report on research into media coverage, November 2003
• Refugees & Asylum Seekers: A Guide for Journalists in Scotland
  'Quick reference' guidebook, produced by Amnesty International Scotland, November 2003
• Press Complaints Commission note on reporting refugees and asylum seekers 
  Guidance from the PCC, October 2003
• Links