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EDITORIAL POLICY GUIDELINES FOR MEDIA AGENCIES Reporting About Islam or Muslims Apply one standard in reporting about religions. Focus on the particular person or group being discussed, rather than indicting all Muslims or Islam by the use of such terms as "Muslim terrorists," "Islamic extremists," or the more recent term, “Islamo-fascists”. Due to the usage of these terms and related media coverage, a feeling has been generated that terrorism by Muslims is intrinsic to their religion (Islam), or character of their ethnic or national ancestry, and far more pervasive and widespread than it really is. The public doesn’t usually get the same feeling about all Catholics, for example, from coverage about the IRA or all Christians from coverage about White Supremacist, xenophobic groups in Europe and the United States. Report facts, not unsubstantiated theories. When reporting about any Muslim “suspect” in the world, there is a growing tendency to automatically link them to Osama bin Laden, or any other group, known or unknown that "may" have terrorist connections. Insinuations and conjectures have no place in responsible reporting. Be balanced in reporting about situations of war or conflict. Be balanced in reporting about situations of war or conflict. For example, when reporting about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, provide the same quality and depth of coverage that is given to suicide bombings in Israel to Israeli house demolitions and other similar Israeli action in Occupied Territory. Include human-interest stories and photographs of Palestinians living under occupation. Seek the opinions of Muslim experts. Muslims should define themselves in the discourse relating to Islam just as experts from other religions and ethnic groups are consulted on issues relating to that group. As one of the fastest growing religions and the largest minority group in the United States, Muslims should also be included in religious perspectives on contemporary issues. We recommend the following organizations for contacts: ING and its Affiliates: 408-296-7312 Institute of Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU): 586-416-1150 Regularly cover human-interest stories or events relating to Muslim Americans. Holidays, community events, Muslim achievements and contributions, and other human-interest articles make wonderful stories. Local, national and international conferences, such as the annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) conference can also be covered as worthy news for the general public. Inaccurate and irresponsible media coverage that plays on fear and hate is unjust and may result in prejudice and violence against innocent people, especially women and children. Hysterical fear and hatred have caused injustice and harm to numerous groups in U.S. history - Native Americans, African-Americans, Germans, Japanese, and those accused of communist tendencies during the McCarthy era. Today, American Muslims sometimes find themselves victims of discrimination in schools, college campuses and in the workplace, and experience anti-Muslim hate incidences, including threats, harassment, stereotyping, property damage and physical assaults. Quality, well balanced, and in-depth coverage can have the opposite effect and help to reduce discrimination and hate crimes. Previous Level Links . . .  Request an Islamic Speakers Bureau presentation  Educational Seminars on American Muslims and Their Faith Ideas and Themes for Human Interest Stories Relating to American Muslims Calendar of Important Islamic Dates Ramadan Information Sheet Hajj Information Sheet Islamic New Year Information Sheet Interfaith Speakers Bureau |
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