Mr. Bosse Lindquist discussed the problem of journalists and media producers “improving” or even fabricating stories of right-wing extremists and neo-nazi groups because these topics are commercially attractive. Sensational articles and documentaries not based on facts serves to attract attention and money to neo-nazi groups. He stressed that media’s carelessness with the truth undermine public respect for freedom of expression and urged for a self-cleansing of the media.

Mr. Bruno Schrep talked about the role the German press has played regarding the phenomenon of right-wing radicalism. He noted that the big German publications have reported right-wing violence from time to time, but he stressed the need for continuous reporting and an open discussion in the media why so many people in East and West Germany are inclined to sympathize with the right. Mr. Schrep also pointed to the importance of taking a closer look at the local newspapers, which are more widely read than the nationwide papers. The temptation to conceal right-wing activities by the local media is big since they are dependent on local advertising and local politicians.

What is intolerance? Ms. Gitta Sereny answered by saying that intolerance is one human being, one society or one institution feeling superior to another. According to Ms. Sereny the tabloid press deepen and intensify the gaps between different groups, and that, rather than reflecting the mood of the people, these papers are active in creating a mood in society. She reflected on what the media could or should do to change the situation. Maybe the solution would be for our media to return to communicate facts instead of reporting impressions.

Prof. Ruth Wodak stressed the importance of language in the media. The use of stereotypes and prejudices in the media affects how the majority views minorities and creates the discourse of difference, the “we and the other”. The media reproduce stereotypes and opinions and this infiltrates people’s minds. She mentioned how black people (especially men) are depicted as criminals in the Austrian tabloid the Neue Kronenzeitung. Prof. Wodak added that the media have a responsibility to distribute information and facts.

Ms. Judith Vidal-Hall noted how racist views cut across classes and mentioned how the media in Britain had covered the Roma arriving in Dover. The ‘quality press’, such as the Independent, for instance, were as racist and inflammatory in their headlines and allegations as were the tabloids – or ‘gutter’ press – like the Sun or the Daily Mail. The latter is unique for its tabloid form and middle-class readership. She went on to stress the importance of giving a voice to the minorities.

Mr. Bruno Schrep mentioned the need for journalists to differentiate between a juvenile who only wants to attract attention by breaking a taboo and violent skinheads bullying a foreigner.

These events should not be given the same attention in the media.