British Muslim Perceptions and Opinions on News Coverage of September 11

This paper examines the responses of a small sample of self-identified British Muslims from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and age groups to the reporting of the events of 11 September 2001. Detailed semi-structured interviews, supplemented by e-mailed responses to a related questionnaire, revealed varied terrestrial and satellite viewing patterns. There were distinct perceptions of Eurocentric and US bias in the Western media, and this corresponded with an increased consumption of alternative news sources after the events of 11 September. 24-hour rolling news programmes were criticised for failing to provide in-depth analysis of world events and the motives for the attacks, and for failing to attach equal significance to other ‘ground zeros’. There was a shared sense of grief in response to the events of September 11 but also a profound belief that negative stereotyping, derogatory use of language and sensationalism in the early stages after the attacks contributed significantly to the noted increase in anti-Muslim attacks and resulted in infringements upon civil liberties. The representation of Islam as ‘violent’ and as abusive to women was a commonly expressed concern. Many felt that the ‘clash of civilisations’ hypothesis was perpetuated by the media.