Activism in emergencies: comparing media discourses about solidarity activism in the migration and Covid crises

News media continue to play a crucial role in the impact of social movements on public discourse and political change. In particular, the scope and form in which activism is reported makes a big difference and can vary considerably depending on the issues and repertoires of contention. This paper compares media discourses about solidarity activism in two recent emergencies: the so-called migration crisis in 2015 and the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis focuses on Germany and its goal is, firstly, to identify similarities and differences in media discourses about solidarity activism in these different emergencies. Second, the analysis aims to explore gaps and biases in reporting on solidarity activism in emergencies. Solidarity activism is often considered a crucial support in dealing with emergencies – stepping in quickly to fill gaps in infrastructure, personnel or supplies. And indeed, in both the 2015 and Covid emergencies activists provided vital support to refugees and vulnerable people. At the same time, recent studies show that many of the involved groups combine aims of direct help with goals of political transformation and critique. Are these diverse forms and goals of solidarity activism present in media discourse? Drawing on media analyses of three major German newspapers in 2015/2016 and 2020/2021, the paper shows that in both contexts, reports strongly emphasize solidarity activism’s contribution to meeting basic needs at the expense of other contributions. In particular, critique and contention are underreported. These trends are present in both contexts, but are more pronounced in the recent Covid emergency.