My latest, based on @cfmmuk's report on Islamophobia in UK media, showcasing libel, inaccuracies & distortions in excruciating detail
60% of articles & half of TV clips were found negative
We’re asking for fairness, not favours. It’s not too much to ask
theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
Some might say the case studies are only the bad apples
Yet the report dispels this myth by showing how widespread the issue is, based on detailed analysis of more than 48,000 print articles & 5,500 TV clips that mentioned Muslims or Islam
cfmm.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
But some of the worst cases are really bad
False accusations of extremism, being a "fixer" for paedophile taxi drivers & linking to terrorism - have a real impact on people's lives
Waj Iqbal, for example, lost his job and couldn't see his kids for 2 years (he won libel damages)
What's important is that our work has been constructive and consultative
Little wonder the Sunday Times editor welcomed our report & admits report on media coverage of Islam has ‘valid criticisms’
We've engaged very widely inc. Sun, Mail, Express, Mirror
theguardian.com/media/2021/nov…
We also highlight positive imagery and framing of Islam and Muslims, amongst papers within right wing newspapers, which generally do not fare well in our assessments
We specifically highlight the Spectator for having the highest proportion of antagonistic articles and articles misrepresenting Muslims / Islam
Perhaps might explain why they were so obsessed with me & trying to cancel me (without any evidence)
The reality is that the Spectator publishes gratuitous Islamophobia and has acted as propaganda for neo-Nazis, racists and the far-right.
But MPs and journalists still attend its events without holding it to account for its actions.
It is appalling.
We are not asking for anything special: just adherence to the basic principles of journalism
"Editorial will, training, checks and balances, and appropriate policies and style guides can make this happen. We’re asking for fairness, not favours. It’s not too much to ask."
Is it?
Nice that it's being given prominence on the opinion page of the Guardian!
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