• The Centre for Media Monitoring released a report on GB News’ troubling portrayal of Muslims, revealing bias, misinformation & far-right tropes in its coverage.
• Key findings include frequent framing of Muslims as perpetrators in riots, and the dismissal of Islamophobia, prompting calls for urgent Ofcom intervention.
On Thursday, 12 December, the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM) launched its groundbreaking report, ‘GB News: A Snapshot of Anti-Muslim Hate’, at the Frontline Club in London. This two-year analysis reveals a disturbing pattern of bias, misinformation, and the perpetuation of far-right tropes by GB News in its portrayal of Muslims and Islam.
The launch event featured a distinguished panel, including: Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim Cabinet Minister; Stewart Purvis CBE, former ITN Executive and Ofcom regulator; and Gavin Esler, an award-winning broadcaster.
The report highlights a troubling fixation on Islam, portraying Muslims through a lens of suspicion and hostility. It underscores the significant role GB News has played in shaping negative public perceptions and deepening social divisions.
Key findings from the report include:
• Over the course of two years, GB News referenced Muslims or Islam more than 17,000 times, making up 50% of all mentions across UK news channels.
• 62% of the coverage on summer riots grossly misrepresented Muslims as perpetrators, while downplaying the attacks on mosques and Muslim communities.
• GB News mentioned Islamophobia 1,180 times, accounting for 60% of all references compared to BBC News and Sky News, primarily to dismiss or downplay its existence.
• GB News consistently cast suspicion on Muslims in public spaces, amplifying far-right conspiracy theories such as the ‘Great Replacement’ and assertions of a Muslim ‘takeover.’
Commenting on the report’s findings, Zara Mohammed, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said:
“These findings expose a deeply concerning pattern of bias and misinformation targeting Muslims. From perpetuating harmful tropes to framing Muslims as threats, GB News appears to be fuelling hatred and further dividing Britain. Media platforms have a duty to uphold fair and responsible reporting, and these figures demonstrate that GB News is falling far short of this standard. Ofcom must urgently intervene to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the media.”
