A Fair Perspective: Islamophobia In The British Media

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:45 in Discussion Forums

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Where: Dialogue Society, London
by Salma Mirza and Navid Akhtar, The Forum Against Islamophobia And Racism

Abstract

Ever since 9/11 Islam and Muslims have been constantly under the spotlight in the press and the wider media. Stereotypes, misconceptions, inflammatory and biased reporting commonly feature in reporting surrounding Islam and Muslims. Today barely a day goes by without a sensationalized headline featuring some story about Muslims. Is Islamophobia the acceptable face of racism in the media and what role, do organisations like FAIR need to play to counter the negative impact that such media generates. This talk introduces FAIR’s work in the field of ISLAMOPHOBIA and RACISM, and its context in the media. It will outline current concerns and future objectives.

Biography of Navid Akhtar

Navid Akhtar has very recently joined FAIR as its Executive Director. He is the Editor of www.muslimcafe.tv, a British based online discussion show that engages Muslim and non Muslim audiences. He joined the BBC in 1995 and went on to work for four years at the BBC's History Unit. In 2000 he was appointed the Development Producer of the BBC's acclaimed Islam UK Season. He worked on 'The Journey of a Lifetime' which followed UK muslims to Mecca on the Hajj. In 2003 he was a producer on Channel 4's Hajj: Trip of a Lifetime, and has received awards from the Prix Europa and Sanford St Martins Trust, for his radio programmes, and the Al Bruni award for Media - Muslim News Awards for Excellence. Recent television work includes presenting Who Wants to be a Mullah? (2004 BBC2), Young Angry and Muslim (2005 Channel 4) and Associate Producer, on "The Retreat", (2007 BBC2). Over the last year Navid has presented "I am a Muslim Get Me Out of Here", and "Nusrat was my Elvis" for Radio 4. This year he has worked on Radio 4's Uncovering Pakistan Season and presented a two part series "The Britistanis". Navid has presented on radicalisation within the British Muslim Community, leading to his appearance at seminars at RUSI and Chatham House. He has recently been selected for the steering group of the Prince of Wales - Mosaic Media Mentoring Network, and has worked with the Charity 'Common Purpose' in providing leadership skills for Imams.Navid has presented on radicalisation within the British Muslim Community, leading to his appearance at seminars at RUSI and Chatham House. He has recently been selected for the steering group of the Prince of Wales - Mosaic Media Mentoring Network, and has worked with the Charity 'Common Purpose' in providing leadership skills for Imams.

Salma Mirza

Salma Mirza graduated with a BA Honours in Accountancy. She worked briefly in the finance sector, however, she left to develop her interests in anti-racism, minority issues and disadvantaged communities. She joined the Forum Against Islamophobia and Racism (FAIR) as a volunteer and subsequently worked as ‘Project Officer’ overseeing FAIR’s casework and media monitoring projects. Since 2004 she has been the ‘Executive Officer’ at the forum and has represented it at a number of national and international conferences and presented FAIR’s work to a variety of audiences. Her particular interests lie in research and media monitoring.