Migrants casting themselves as discourse leaders: "What's happening in Venezuela?"

Abstract

Political crises caused by authoritarian governments encourage influencers to emerge in the emigrant population. In this regard, this paper addresses transnational communication linked to migration processes. Using a theoretical framework that revolves around the notion of an intermediary-based on classical communication theories-it delves into public opinion, pluralism and disinformation, and examines the reception of the disinformation in terms of moral systems and emotional responses. Specifically, a qualitative analysis is made of material posted on YouTube by two Venezuelan emigrant influencers about Juan Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president in January 2019. The focus is on the resources they use to establish themselves as discursive authorities about the political discussion from outside the country.