Sunday, March 25, 2007
Update (March 27): A response from CBC
Dear Faraz Ahmed:
I write to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail, which I have shared with Mary Sheppard, Executive Producer of CBC News Online, along with the request that your concerns be addressed.
Yours truly,
Vince Carlin
CBC Ombudsman
Recently, death threats were issued against the Muslim Canadian Congress, a fringe group not representative of the views of the Muslim community. Nonetheless, they reserve a right to freedom of expression, no matter how ludicrous, without a fear of reprisal and revenge.
Mainstream Muslim groups such as CAIR have spoken out in their defense but it's interesting to note the media coverage on this issue. The CBC headline screams, "Muslims condemn death threat issued to moderate group."
The group in question is labeled 'moderate' except there is no way to ascertain what exactly constitutes the word's definition. But its presence gives legitimacy to the group in the eyes of the reader because after all, moderate has a much nicer ring to it than 'extremists.' The story goes on to state the group "has been speaking out publicly in support of equality for women."
Two false and subtle meanings are conveyed:
1. Muslims don't given women equal rights
2. This is the ONLY group that speaks for women
Don't be naive to think this was unintentional. Journalism is not neutral, not by a long shot. It's just that methods of mis-leading have become more refined and sophisticated.
Dear Faraz Ahmed:
I write to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail, which I have shared with Mary Sheppard, Executive Producer of CBC News Online, along with the request that your concerns be addressed.
Yours truly,
Vince Carlin
CBC Ombudsman
Recently, death threats were issued against the Muslim Canadian Congress, a fringe group not representative of the views of the Muslim community. Nonetheless, they reserve a right to freedom of expression, no matter how ludicrous, without a fear of reprisal and revenge.
Mainstream Muslim groups such as CAIR have spoken out in their defense but it's interesting to note the media coverage on this issue. The CBC headline screams, "Muslims condemn death threat issued to moderate group."
The group in question is labeled 'moderate' except there is no way to ascertain what exactly constitutes the word's definition. But its presence gives legitimacy to the group in the eyes of the reader because after all, moderate has a much nicer ring to it than 'extremists.' The story goes on to state the group "has been speaking out publicly in support of equality for women."
Two false and subtle meanings are conveyed:
1. Muslims don't given women equal rights
2. This is the ONLY group that speaks for women
Don't be naive to think this was unintentional. Journalism is not neutral, not by a long shot. It's just that methods of mis-leading have become more refined and sophisticated.
Labels: bias, CAIR, CBC, Islam, journalism, misleading, Muslim Canadian Congress, women
Faraz Ahmed 3:46 p.m.
3 Comments:
This should be going to the CBC's editor-in-chief and the CBC ombudsman.
true that.
Thanks for the idea Muckracker. I usually tend to complain through the normal channels but used the ombudsman service this time and received an instant response.
Now am waiting to hear from the executive vice-producer, Mary Sheppard. Hopefully, they'll think twice next time before writing up such stories insha Allah.
Now am waiting to hear from the executive vice-producer, Mary Sheppard. Hopefully, they'll think twice next time before writing up such stories insha Allah.