Islamophobia in the UK : the role of British newspapers in shaping attitudes towards Islam and Muslims

The aim of this dissertation is to investigate how Islam and Muslims are portrayed in British mainstream newspapers, whether the image presented is distorted and misleading and what impact this has on public opinion. Events over the past two decades have led to the religion becoming hyper-visible. This increased interest and the recent Leveson Inquiry into press ethics makes the need for this research timely. Research was based on a review of relevant literature and an extensive study of articles from the tabloids and broadsheets. This involved articles prior to 9/11, in the wake of 9/11, in the wake of 7/7 and post 7/7. The findings highlight that there is a disproportionate amount of coverage connected to Islam and Muslims. Evidence has been uncovered that suggests that some newspapers, especially the tabloids, have tended to present Muslims and Islam in a negative light, resorting to stereotypical images that present the religion as monolithic and barbaric. The religion and its followers are often presented through a series of ‘snap-shots’ that serve only to highlight differences and portray Islam as a threat. The analysis has also indicated that some newspapers have invented Muslim stories; a serious charge. Whilst the research has demonstrated that there is no quick fix to these issues, steps need to be taken to ensure that reporting moves away from age old stereotypes. At the heart of this lies a solution based on better educating editors and journalists about the Islamic faith. The question about whether 2 there needs to be a new regulator that all newspapers ascribe to also needs to be addressed. At the very least the role of the Press Complaints Commission should be reviewed and it should be recommended that serving editors do not sit on its board, as this is a conflict of interest.