Media (NBC, CBS, ABC) Reports Misrepresented Border Migration

Major news outlets have frequently adopted the GOP narrative that a “surge” of migrants across the U.S. border with Mexico is causing a “crisis.” ABC, CBS, and NBC used such language to describe the situation along the border at least 138 times on their morning and evening news shows since January 1, according to a Media Matters review. 

But a new analysis published by The Washington Post on Tuesday finds that the recent increase in migrant apprehensions along the southern border is not a “surge” or a “crisis,” but the seasonal bump typically seen this time of year, likely heightened by people who waited to cross last year due to the pandemic. 

A new analysis shows no migrant “surge” or border “crisis.” Here’s how often broadcast news has said there is one. | Media Matters for America