GB News Faces Criticism Over Coverage of Muslims: Study Reveals Overwhelmingly Negative Portrayal

By Abdullahi Yusuf

A recent study has drawn significant attention to GB News’ coverage of Muslims, with findings suggesting that the channel has disproportionately focused on Islam and Muslims, much of it negatively. Over a two-year period, GB News accounted for nearly 50% of all mentions of Muslims in UK news broadcasts, with more than 17,000 references to Islam or Muslims, a higher proportion than BBC News or Sky News.

The study, conducted by the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM), highlighted that GB News’ reporting often framed Muslims in a negative light, potentially exacerbating community tensions. Researchers warned that such coverage might contribute to civil unrest by fostering a biased and divisive narrative. Islamophobia was frequently referenced on GB News, comprising 60% of all mentions compared to other news channels. However, the CfMM noted that rather than focusing on real incidents of anti-Muslim sentiment, the channel often dismissed the very concept of Islamophobia, further perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

In particular, the study found that GB News played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of the far-right riots that occurred during the summer. The channel accounted for 62% of all clips on UK news channels linking Muslims to the riots, often portraying Muslims as the instigators rather than the victims, thereby downplaying attacks on mosques and Muslim communities.

Rizwana Hamid, director of CfMM, expressed concern over the channel’s approach, suggesting that the platform’s content could be contributing to the growing wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric. She pointed out that GB News, alongside its controversial content, had largely avoided regulatory scrutiny from Ofcom, leaving the channel unchecked in its portrayal of Muslims and Islam. She called for stronger oversight to ensure that broadcasters adhere to impartiality standards and prevent the spread of hate-driven narratives.

In response to the study, a spokesperson for GB News dismissed the findings as inaccurate and defamatory, defending the channel’s right to present views they argue are not represented elsewhere in the media landscape. They also criticized the lack of direct communication between the CfMM and the channel, emphasizing that the report was an attempt to suppress free speech.

The study has raised important questions about media responsibility and the potential impact of biased reporting on societal harmony, particularly in a media environment where misinformation and prejudice can easily spread.

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