Muslim Women's Organization Releases Media Guide to Covering Islam

March 17, 2006

Source: The Age/AAP

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Media-guide-for-covering-Muslim-issues/2006/03/17/1142098653764.html

On March 17, 2006 the Australian Associated Press reported, "A new media guide will attempt to balance the way Australian journalists cover issues relating to Muslims, an Islamic group says. The Islamic Women's Welfare Council of Victoria said the booklet, Media Guide: Islam and Muslims in Australia, was designed to cover reporting on Muslims in a modern context. 'We hope to achieve that elusive thing - balanced reporting,' chairperson Tasneem Chopra said. 'There is still much work to be done in correcting the prevailing contradictions in how Muslims are perceived.' The booklet, published by the council, includes background information on the Islamic faith and associated customs, and provides contact details for members of the Muslim community. It also reports that the majority of Muslims feel the media's portrayal of Australian Muslims has been problematic, with a constant connection with violence, stereotypical depictions of Muslims, and inaccurate reporting. Andrew Robb, the parliamentary secretary to the minister for immigration and multicultural affairs, said the guide would help Muslim women learn how to use the media to shape the way Australians perceived them."