On Saturday 28 September, ISB Connect held our fourth in-person event, alhamdulillah, here is how it went.
Esmat opened the workshop by highlighting the broad scope of media we consume and its impact. A key point was the lack of Muslim representation in various topics, not just in Muslim matters, with examples like Nadiyah Hussain in baking.
Peter Oborne’s insightful talk explored the role of journalism, describing it as the duty “to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” He explored how media often frames narratives, using terms like ‘Islamist,’ ‘Radical,’ and ‘Extremist’ to unfairly cast suspicion on entire communities. These labels, frequently deployed by politicians, create barriers for those aspiring to work in journalism or politics.
The discussion also touched on ‘British Identity,’ celebrating its diversity while critiquing media outlets that frame it as something under threat. Peter stressed how such narratives can foster division, creating an ‘us vs them’ mentality
The event concluded with a workshop examining news articles on topics such as the Trojan Horse affair, encouraging participants to consider how narratives are shaped and how more balanced coverage might be achieved.
The day was rich in thought-provoking discussions, but its core message was clear: active involvement in the media is vital. In an industry often riddled with biases, the challenge is to remain true to one’s values and play fair — even when others might not. That, as Esmat and Peter both reminded us, is the real test. One that must be embraced if we are to build a more just and inclusive media.
