Monday 10th November

Metro

Article 1
Headline: Fight the fatwas 'with free speech'
Section: News
Written by: Jo Steele
Page: 14

Outline: This article talks about a report issued by the Centre for Social Cohesion, an organisation that has a reputation for its Islamophobic rhetoric, and its Director Douglas Murraywho has in the past delivered a vile anti-Muslim speech.

It quotes Murray talking about allowing Muslims the freedom to express themselves free from fear of reprisals by fellow Muslims who Jo Steele describes as "Militants".

What's interesting is that the "Muslims" that Murray is seeking protection for are in fact considered by mainstream Muslima and in some cases by the individuals themselves to actually be outside of the fold of Islam e.g. Maryam Namazie (Head of Council of Ex-Muslims), Salman Rushdie and Ibn Warraq (author of "Why I am not a Muslim") to name a few of these so-called Muslims.

Whilst Murray can be excused as he clearly has an Islamophobic agenda, it's Jo Steele who should perhaps be provided adequate training so that a more balanced article can be presented to the readers where some of Murray's less cohesive views towards Muslims can be exposed.

I have provided a photo of the article as the online edition of Metro features a different story on page 14, in case you think that this is fabricated.

Without doubt this article is negative as it's one sided and does not highlight the repulsive views held by Murray which should invalidate any contributions made by him to the cause of social cohesion.

Steele should have made reference to another fatwa which would have had far more credibility, this example shows India's largest Muslim Seminary issuing a fatwa condemning terrorism.

Article Verdict: Negative

Article 2
Headline: Attacks fear as bombers given burial
Section: News
Written by: Jo Steele
Page: 21

Outline: This story is about the execution of 3 men in Indonesia for their part in the Bali bombings. Steele opens the article by describing them as "Three Islamist militants", the opening line sets the tone for the reader as they are immediately told of a link between militancy and Islam.

The article presents a negative view of Islam and Muslims and is the 2nd such article by Steele in today's Metro.

Article Verdict: Negative

Manchester Evening News (City Edition)

Article 1
Headline: Church can't belive hymn ban
Section: News
Written by: ?
Page: 6

Outline: At first glance one may be forgiven for thinking that this story will most likely be about a hymn ban imposed out of fear of offending Muslims. This is because the tabloid Media has previously used such ludicrous and sensationalist headlines in relation to Islam and Muslims.

However, this article is actually about a ban imposed on the phrase 'singing from the same hymn sheet' by Salisbury Town Hall.

Not Surprisingly this is an extremely brief story at just 49 words long. It features none of the subjective and inflammatory narrative that often accompanies similar stories about bans where Muslims are involved.

If anything this is a perfect example of the negative media bias that exists against Islam and Muslims in the UK.

Article Verdict: Negative