Diaspora communication in Germany: From fragmentation to participation

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In Germany, there are a large number of different groups that bear the label “diaspora”, whether ascribed by others or by themselves (Volkert 2021, Popp 2021). Especially since 2015, Germany has seen a significant increase in the diaspora, including many members from countries as diverse as Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, to name but a few (Popp 2021).

Among them, many of the newcomers are educational and media elites who have worked in their home countries. Over the past two decades, these countries have produced media systems that have developed rapidly and are in many ways unprecedentedly pluralistic, but also fragmented, as in Afghanistan. The people who have worked in these systems bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Germany. They have now begun to engage in the field of communication and media, whether by studying, creating their own media programmes or actively participating as content creators (Feda 2023).

But there are also other reasons for this engagement: People with a migration background, refugees are often marginalised in the German media (Mediendienst Integration 2021, Fengler u.a. 2020, Horz 2018, Treppe u.a. 2016, Irrgang 2011, Röser 2010). This conference combines this topic with another topic: People with a migrant background and refugees are often marginalised in the German media, resulting in inappropriate and stereotypical representations. Reporting tends to show migrants primarily in negative contexts and reinforces prejudices and stereotypes (Mediendienst Integration 2021, Fengler u.a. 2020, Horz 2018, Treppe u.a. 2016). It also shows that these groups are often underrepresented in the media and rarely found in key positions in newsrooms, resulting in a limited perspective on People with a migrant background and refugee issues (NDM 2020, NDM 2021).

People with a migrant background and refugee who are marginalised in the media rely on various strategies for self-representation and interaction. They set up their own media platforms and use social networks to present their perspectives (Jhoti 2021, Chemmencheri 2015). This enables them to act independently of traditional media channels and control their own narratives (Chemmencheri 2015). It is also emphasised that marginalisation in the media does not eliminate the “subaltern identity” of those affected, but can potentially be reinforced by media presence, creating new alliances and opportunities for support (Chemmencheri 2015). People with a migrant background and refugee use social media strategically to influence their representation in public perception. These platforms allow them to shape their own narratives and actively participate in social discourse. In addition, social media allow for more direct and interactive communication, which encourages the dissemination of more diverse and authentic perspectives. Such activities can help to overcome stereotypical representations and promote a more nuanced view of People with a migrant background and refugee in society (Jhoti 2021, Chemmencheri 2015).

The conference is deliberately interdisciplinary in order to provide a holistic view of the topic and to integrate different perspectives. Our goal is to foster a comprehensive dialogue that incorporates diverse academic and practical insights into the dynamics of diaspora communication.

The conference provides a platform to discuss and analyse current developments in the field of diaspora communication in Germany. In view of the increasing BiPoC and immigration of people from different countries and cultural and ethnical backgrounds, and the challenges and opportunities this brings, it is crucial to understand and promote the dynamics, structures and potential of diaspora communication. The conference aims to create a dialogue between research and practice and to provide a space for the discussion of research projects and practical initiatives in the field of diaspora communication.