Grass-root antidiscrimination. The role of civil society in media monitoring policies

The book firstly problematizes the use of language in the media. The book assesses the role of mass media across Europe, investigating how they influence intolerant behaviours, and how, conversely, they positively contribute to combating discrimination and promoting cultural diversity. It provides the state of the art of media monitoring practices in six different countries (Estonia, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Romania) and assesses different monitoring methods. Secondly, the book provides two sets of guidelines, the first on diversity journalism and effective communication, and the second on the creation of “local press units”. Finally, the study provides and exemplary case of NGOs activation to debunk stereotypes and provide in-depth media monitoring. The case study is based on seven “local press units” (LPU) composed on the informing idea that a “cross-community approach” allows for the development of mutual understanding within the press units themselves, essential to framing effective antidiscrimination activities.