Metro
Article 1
Headline: Radical cleric attacked for converting boy of 11
Section: News
Written by: Miles Erwin
Page: 9
Outline: This article takes up most of page 11 and is about the conversion of a boy aged 11 to Islam by Anjem Choudary who is described as a "radical cleric". The article features a photo of the conversion ceremony taking place with the boy's face blurred out.
In the 2nd paragraph of the article the words "The bewildered looking boy....was filmed repeating Arabic chants and swearing allegiance to Allah...."
The words "Arabic chants" are a poor choice by Erwin who should know that the correct terminology to use would be Arabic Prayers.
The article features a photo of Omar Bakri and it mentioned in the article that Anjem Choudary has links to Bakri who is described as a "Muslim hate preacher". Erwin also mentions that Choudary's group wants Britain to "...become an Islamic state ruled by strict Sharia law."
The closing paragraph of the article mentions that Bakri "...is famous for praising the 9/11 hijackers as the magnificent 19".
The article also contains comments by Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain and the Christian Muslim Forum who criticises Choudary's actions, "I believe that a choice pf Islam is only to be done when you can fully understand the complex, mature and life-changing decision that you are making"
Whilst the inclusion of Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra's comments is a good step to show that conversion of young Children isn't endorsed by all Muslims the overall view of the article is that it's unnecessarilly scaremongering the readers.
The image presented is that "bewildered" young children will be coerced into converting by men who endorse terrorism and want to establish a strict Islamic State in Britain.
It is fairly safe to assume that this is an isolated incident carried out by a Group that has few backers amongst the vast majority of British Muslims. To give this much coverage to a story like this is merely going to feed the fear that some people hold towards Muslims and in that respect is an example of irresponsible journalism by Miles Erwin.
Article Verdict: Negative
Showing posts with label Irresponsible Journalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irresponsible Journalism. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Friday, 10 April 2009
Thursday 9th April
Manchester Evening News (City Edition)
Article 1
Headline: Terror swoop after blunder by police chief
Section: Front Page
Written by: Yakub Qureshi & John Scheerhout
Page: Front Page
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: Terror swoop after top cop's blunder
Section: News
Written by: Yakub Qureshi & John Scheerhout
Page: 2
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 3
Headline: Police plea for calm as Smith backs raids
Section: News
Written by: Yakub Qureshi
Page: 2
Outline: This story is related to the raids mentioned in articles 1 & 2. It reports on statements made by Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter who has stated that the Police force will be working to reassure residents of the local area following the raids.
The article alsoi carries a comment from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith who commends the Police and the manner in which they carried out the raid. It also carries a statement by her which warns that "...we face a severe terrorist threat in this country..." such statements are no doubt likely to make readers uncomfortable and fearful. With that in mind perhaps it would have been worth to get the reaction of local community leaders to the comments by the Home Secretary and Det Chief Superintendent, this would have helped to report a more rounded and complete reflection of events that unfolded in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester.
However based on the content of the article it is factual with no emotional or sensationalist narrative hence is awarded a 'neutral' rating.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 4
Headline: Apprentice bosses just didn't fancy me
Section: News
Written by: ?
Page: 12
Outline: This article is about Majid Nagra, the latest contestant to be 'fired' from the popular tv show The Apprentice.
The article features a reflection by Mr Nagra as to why he felt he was fired from the latest episode. It mentions his age and where he was born but does not refer to his religious background. The article also mentions that Mr Nagra is setting up a business, "...a dating website for British Asians..."
All in all, it's factual article and deserves a 'neutral' rating
Article Verdict: Neutral
Metro
Article 1
Headline: Hamza sons in £1m car theft con
Section: Front Page Brief
Written by: ?
Page: Front Page
Artice Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: 12 arrests following terror op blunder
Section: News
Written by: Aidan Radnedge
Page: 5
Artice Verdict: Negative
Article 3
Headline: Hamza sons facing jail - Preacher's boys used £1m car ringing scam 'to pay for their party lifestyle'
Section: News
Written by: Aidan Radnedge
Page: 7
Artice Verdict: Negative
Article 4
Headline: 12 Palestinians hurt in riots
Section: World Digest
Written by: ?
Page: 28
Artice Verdict: Negative
Article 1
Headline: Terror swoop after blunder by police chief
Section: Front Page
Written by: Yakub Qureshi & John Scheerhout
Page: Front Page
Outline: This article accompanied by a photo showing a Police raid on a house in Manchester is about the 'anti-terror' raids that were triggered after Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick's secret documents were photographed as he arrived for a briefing at 10 Downing Street.
The article is a prelude to a much more detailed story which is printed on page 2 and as such there are few words on the front page other than to tell readers key facts which are limited to a factual narrative of events.
The article is a prelude to a much more detailed story which is printed on page 2 and as such there are few words on the front page other than to tell readers key facts which are limited to a factual narrative of events.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: Terror swoop after top cop's blunder
Section: News
Written by: Yakub Qureshi & John Scheerhout
Page: 2
Outline: This story continues on from the front page story. It lists the number of people arrested and details the locations of where the arrests took place.
This story also includes testimonials from local people in the area, one of these (Mr Mesu Raza) is described in the article as "an unemployed man from Pakistan who lives in the flat above the cafe..."
There are further statements from local people who are named in the article as Ms Fouzia Ali, who is described as a "neighbour..." and also Bushra Majid who is described as "...33, a housewife..."
The article states that 2 of the arrested men are "...of Afghan origin..." The article finished by mentioning the age range of the detained suspects.
There is no mention of the religious background of any of the detained suspects nor of any of the residents who gave testimonials to the M.E.N.
Apart from referring to Mr Mesu Raza as "an unemployed man from Pakistan" other descriptions of people were done in a responsible manner. Ther really wasn't any need to highlight Mr Raza's ethnicity and employment status. This would only serve to create a negative image of Mr Raza amongst readers who may come to regard him as an 'unemployed foreigner living in Britain'.
Other than this small blip the article is written objectively and without any sensationalist rhetoric hence a 'neutral' verdict is awarded.
This story also includes testimonials from local people in the area, one of these (Mr Mesu Raza) is described in the article as "an unemployed man from Pakistan who lives in the flat above the cafe..."
There are further statements from local people who are named in the article as Ms Fouzia Ali, who is described as a "neighbour..." and also Bushra Majid who is described as "...33, a housewife..."
The article states that 2 of the arrested men are "...of Afghan origin..." The article finished by mentioning the age range of the detained suspects.
There is no mention of the religious background of any of the detained suspects nor of any of the residents who gave testimonials to the M.E.N.
Apart from referring to Mr Mesu Raza as "an unemployed man from Pakistan" other descriptions of people were done in a responsible manner. Ther really wasn't any need to highlight Mr Raza's ethnicity and employment status. This would only serve to create a negative image of Mr Raza amongst readers who may come to regard him as an 'unemployed foreigner living in Britain'.
Other than this small blip the article is written objectively and without any sensationalist rhetoric hence a 'neutral' verdict is awarded.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 3
Headline: Police plea for calm as Smith backs raids
Section: News
Written by: Yakub Qureshi
Page: 2
Outline: This story is related to the raids mentioned in articles 1 & 2. It reports on statements made by Detective Chief Superintendent Tony Porter who has stated that the Police force will be working to reassure residents of the local area following the raids.
The article alsoi carries a comment from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith who commends the Police and the manner in which they carried out the raid. It also carries a statement by her which warns that "...we face a severe terrorist threat in this country..." such statements are no doubt likely to make readers uncomfortable and fearful. With that in mind perhaps it would have been worth to get the reaction of local community leaders to the comments by the Home Secretary and Det Chief Superintendent, this would have helped to report a more rounded and complete reflection of events that unfolded in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester.
However based on the content of the article it is factual with no emotional or sensationalist narrative hence is awarded a 'neutral' rating.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 4
Headline: Apprentice bosses just didn't fancy me
Section: News
Written by: ?
Page: 12
Outline: This article is about Majid Nagra, the latest contestant to be 'fired' from the popular tv show The Apprentice.
The article features a reflection by Mr Nagra as to why he felt he was fired from the latest episode. It mentions his age and where he was born but does not refer to his religious background. The article also mentions that Mr Nagra is setting up a business, "...a dating website for British Asians..."
All in all, it's factual article and deserves a 'neutral' rating
Article Verdict: Neutral
Metro
Article 1
Headline: Hamza sons in £1m car theft con
Section: Front Page Brief
Written by: ?
Page: Front Page
Outline: This article is one of the preview briefs featured on the front page. The story is about car thefts involving the sons of Abu Hamza who is described as "hate preacher" although the religious background of Hamza or his sons isn't mentioned.
The rest of the article is continued on Page 7 of the paper. Given the high profile nature in which Abu Hamza has been featured in the press it's likely that readers will link him to Muslims and Islam however as this brief doesn't mention Muslim or Islam then on that basis it has to be given a 'neutral' rating.
The rest of the article is continued on Page 7 of the paper. Given the high profile nature in which Abu Hamza has been featured in the press it's likely that readers will link him to Muslims and Islam however as this brief doesn't mention Muslim or Islam then on that basis it has to be given a 'neutral' rating.
Artice Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: 12 arrests following terror op blunder
Section: News
Written by: Aidan Radnedge
Page: 5
Outline: This article is about the 'anti-terror' raids in Manchester. It lists the locations of the arrests and how many people were detained.
The paper incorrectly reports that the raids were on "...British Asians with links to Pakistan..." This is clearly inaccurate reporting as those arrested were not British Asians. This most probably reflects a rushed article which had to hit the deadline in order to be printed thus proper checks were not carried out to see whether the information being reported was true?
A large part of the article is dedicated to covering the blunder by Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick.
Newspapers have a repsonsibility to report the truth and display responsible journalism, inaccurate reporting, especially on sensitive matters like this, can have negative consequences in this case for British Asians as the wider people may inadvertantly point the finger of blame at them.
It's important that journalists put the integrity of the story at the top of the hierarchy before going to print. For failing to display this integrity Aidan Radnedge's article is given a 'negative' rating
The paper incorrectly reports that the raids were on "...British Asians with links to Pakistan..." This is clearly inaccurate reporting as those arrested were not British Asians. This most probably reflects a rushed article which had to hit the deadline in order to be printed thus proper checks were not carried out to see whether the information being reported was true?
A large part of the article is dedicated to covering the blunder by Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick.
Newspapers have a repsonsibility to report the truth and display responsible journalism, inaccurate reporting, especially on sensitive matters like this, can have negative consequences in this case for British Asians as the wider people may inadvertantly point the finger of blame at them.
It's important that journalists put the integrity of the story at the top of the hierarchy before going to print. For failing to display this integrity Aidan Radnedge's article is given a 'negative' rating
Artice Verdict: Negative
Article 3
Headline: Hamza sons facing jail - Preacher's boys used £1m car ringing scam 'to pay for their party lifestyle'
Section: News
Written by: Aidan Radnedge
Page: 7
Outline: This article is a continuation of front page brief described in article 1 and is also written by Adrian Radnedge who wrote the inaccurate article above.
This article describes the scam alleged to have been carried out by the 3 sons of Abu Hamza. It describes how they carried out the scam and gives their names & ages.
It also features a photo of Abu Hamza's face where his prayer skull cap is visible. Although there is no mention of the word Muslim or Islam there is likely to be case of guilt by association i.e. readers are likely to know Hamza through the news as a Muslim preacher hence this story about his sons running a car scam will thus lead to a negative view of Islam amongst the readers.
Had the story not featured a photo of Hamza or made the link to him in the headline then I would have given this a 'neutral' rating. However as the Hamza link is the 'anchor' for this story then readers can't help but make a negative link to Islam and Muslims hence I'm giving Radnedge's 2nd article a 'negative' rating too.
This article describes the scam alleged to have been carried out by the 3 sons of Abu Hamza. It describes how they carried out the scam and gives their names & ages.
It also features a photo of Abu Hamza's face where his prayer skull cap is visible. Although there is no mention of the word Muslim or Islam there is likely to be case of guilt by association i.e. readers are likely to know Hamza through the news as a Muslim preacher hence this story about his sons running a car scam will thus lead to a negative view of Islam amongst the readers.
Had the story not featured a photo of Hamza or made the link to him in the headline then I would have given this a 'neutral' rating. However as the Hamza link is the 'anchor' for this story then readers can't help but make a negative link to Islam and Muslims hence I'm giving Radnedge's 2nd article a 'negative' rating too.
Artice Verdict: Negative
Article 4
Headline: 12 Palestinians hurt in riots
Section: World Digest
Written by: ?
Page: 28
Outline: This news brief reports on clashes between "Palestinians" and "Israeli army and Jewish settlers". It also remarkably describes the Palestinian village of Safa as an "Arab Settlement", this is highly inaccurate reporting as the word settlements is only used to refer to Israeli built Jewish settlements on the West Bank. They are referred to as such because they have been built on land which is considered occupied by the International community. This is a fact that is overlooked and not reported in the news brief hence not giving the full and accurate picture to the readers.
For inaccuarate and misleading reporting this article is given a 'negative' rating.
For inaccuarate and misleading reporting this article is given a 'negative' rating.
Artice Verdict: Negative
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Wednesday 8th April
Manchester Evening News (City Edition)
Unfortunately no copy of today's city edition was available hence no report can be presented for the M.E.N
Metro
Article 1
Headline: Obama tells Iraqis: 'It's over to you'
Section: News
Written by: Ross McGuinness
Page: 13
Artice Verdict: Negative
Unfortunately no copy of today's city edition was available hence no report can be presented for the M.E.N
Metro
Article 1
Headline: Obama tells Iraqis: 'It's over to you'
Section: News
Written by: Ross McGuinness
Page: 13
Outline: This article is about US President Barack Obama's surprise visit to Iraq. It features the usual details which mention that he held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri-Al-Maliki and also visited US troops stationed there.
The most shocking aspect of this article however is when McGuinness states the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq, 4,266 since the 2003 occupation, but fails to even attempt to quantify the number of Iraqi civilians killed since the US led occupation began.
Towards the end of the paragraph McGuinness writes "Many thousands of Iraqis have been killed since 2003..."
An American based charity estimated that at least a million Iraqis had been killed in Iraq since the US occupation. McGuinness effectively belittles Iraqi civillian deaths by simply stating "many thousands..." instead of something closer to the true figure.
For the sheer lack of factual reporting and failing to contextualise US deaths against Iraqi Civilian deaths, which possibly reflects McGuinness' journalistic inexperience, this article is given a 'negative' rating.
The most shocking aspect of this article however is when McGuinness states the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq, 4,266 since the 2003 occupation, but fails to even attempt to quantify the number of Iraqi civilians killed since the US led occupation began.
Towards the end of the paragraph McGuinness writes "Many thousands of Iraqis have been killed since 2003..."
An American based charity estimated that at least a million Iraqis had been killed in Iraq since the US occupation. McGuinness effectively belittles Iraqi civillian deaths by simply stating "many thousands..." instead of something closer to the true figure.
For the sheer lack of factual reporting and failing to contextualise US deaths against Iraqi Civilian deaths, which possibly reflects McGuinness' journalistic inexperience, this article is given a 'negative' rating.
Artice Verdict: Negative
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