Exploring how entertainment documentaries construct London to account for the residence of the international super-rich in the “hostile environment” for migrants

Unlike poorer migrant groups, governments offer visa inducements to attract wealthy individuals into a country. However, super-rich migrants’ impact on the UK has been shown to be negative. This research explored how entertainment documentaries account for super-rich individuals residing in London. Discursive Social Psychology was used to analyse 2490 min of programmes from non-subscription UK terrestrial channels broadcast throughout 2016 in the UK using the term ‘super-rich’. Within the programmes, London was constructed as a (1) playground, (2) safe space and (3) place of economic opportunity. The super-rich were positioned as good migrants who have integrated into society. By drawing upon human rights arguments within the broadcasts, London was constructed as a safe haven. The construction of super-rich migrants formed a stark contrast to poorer groups who contribute more to the economy yet are targeted by hostile immigration policy and media reporting.