‘How media bias against Islam is fuelling hate incidents against Muslims’ – Tribune Online

A retired Director of Corporate Communications in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Addy, has asserted that biased media reportage against Islam is fuelling hate incidents, discrimination in employment, travel restrictions, and policy bias against Muslims.

Addy made the assertion on Sunday in his keynote address at the monthly Usrah organised by the Abuja district of The Companion, a group of Muslim professionals. The theme of the programme was ‘The Media and Misrepresentation of Islamic Teachings and Values: A Practical Panacea’.

Drawing from his professional experience and research, Addy traced the roots of media bias and its manifestations, submitting that media bias operates through framing patterns that selectively emphasise narratives aligning with preconceived stereotypes.

He submitted that disparities in global media coverage of terror incidents, where perpetrators identified as Muslims often trigger religious generalisations, differ from similar acts committed by non-Muslims.

Addy described the role being played by social media against Islam and Muslims as a double-edged sword—amplifying both awareness and misinformation.

According to him, “Algorithm-driven amplification and echo chambers have accelerated the spread of distorted narratives, making it imperative for stakeholders to intervene strategically.”

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While calling for ethical journalism practices, media accountability, and strategic narrative control, Addy proffered a five-pillar solution: enforcement of ethical journalism standards; implementation of media literacy programmes; increased Muslim representation in media; promotion of interfaith dialogue; and responsible religious leadership.

These, according to him, were not theoretical constructs but actionable frameworks capable of recalibrating the narrative landscape.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Amir of The Companion, Abuja District, Dr Saheed Imran Adekunle, noted what he described as a “deep-rooted reputational crisis” fuelled by persistent Islamophobia and media misrepresentation.

He said negative portrayals of Muslims, especially in films, broadcast media, and digital platforms, had become normalised, thereby shaping public perception through a distorted lens.

“From cinema narratives to social media algorithms, the portrayal of Islam is increasingly skewed towards stereotypes, misinformation, and sensationalism,” Adekunle said.

He cited examples from Nollywood productions where Islamic identities and symbols are either trivialised or criminalised, warning that such portrayals not only misinform but also incite prejudice against Muslim communities.

While urging regulatory bodies such as the National Film and Video Censors Board to upscale their oversight functions, Dr Adekunle also advocated the establishment of independent Muslim-led media watchdogs to ensure balanced reporting and safeguard religious sensitivities.

“Complaints without capacity-building will not move the needle. We must transition from passive criticism to proactive engagement—owning the narrative, building media competence, and institutionalising ethical standards,” he advised.