Policy Area 4: Media and Broadcasting

Studies have also shown that, with 21 negative references to Muslims within the British press for every single neutral or positive reference,^[1] the media plays an integral role in spreading prejudice, stereotypes, and xenophobic views of British Muslims. This, in turn, directly contributes to hate crime, discrimination, and marginalisation of Muslim communities.

Meanwhile, the failures of the current regulator, IPSO, and the Government’s continued failure to fully implement the Royal Charter on Press Regulation leaves little recourse for tackling Islamophobia in the mainstream press. At the same time, the lack of diversity within broadcasting and the continued confinement of Muslim actors and characters to stereotypical roles and representations is an issue in need of redress. Therefore, the broadcasting industry needs to be supported in devising initiatives to promote positive portrayals of Muslims.

Policy Pledges:

1. Commit to the full implementation of the Royal Charter on press regulation.
2. Commit to the commencement of the second part of the Leveson Inquiry, including an investigation into the prevalence of Islamophobia within the media.
3. Support initiatives by the broadcasting industry to promote positive portrayals of Muslims in the media.

[1] See Baker, Paul, Costas Gabrielatos, and Tony McEnery. Discourse analysis and media attitudes: the representation of Islam in the British Press. Cambridge: University Press, 2013.