Letter of Complaint to GB News
Screenshot of GB news article, ‘GB News has a problem. We've become successful - and not everyone likes that, says Michael Booker.’
We sent a letter addressing a concerning article published on GB News, authored by Michael Booker, which dismisses findings from a comprehensive report by the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM). The CfMM's report, based on two years of analysis, highlights instances of anti-Muslim hate linked to GB News content. Instead of engaging with these serious concerns, the article undermines the credibility of the report, dismissing it as defamatory and framing it as an attack on free speech.
Our team at Get the Trolls Out (GTTO) monitors hate speech and discriminatory narratives in the media. We strongly believe that concerns raised by CfMM merit thoughtful consideration rather than ridicule. This letter calls on GB News to engage constructively with the findings, adopt a more accurate and inclusive approach to reporting on Britain's Muslim communities, and uphold the journalistic values of truth, accuracy, and objectivity.
Below is the letter we sent to GB News:
Dear Mr. Booker,
I am writing to you to express my concerns about the article “GB News has a problem. We’ve become successful - and not everyone likes that, says Michael Booker” published on GB News website on December 11, 2024. The link to the article can be found below.
https://www.gbnews.com/opinion/gb-news-has-a-problem-we-ve-become-successful-michael-booker
In the article, you dismiss a report by the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM) detailing instances of anti-Muslim hate associated with GB News. The report, which involved a two-year analysis, raised serious concerns about the portrayal of Islam and Muslims in GB News content. In the article, you continuously undermine the CfMM findings, labelling the report as “defamatory” and dismissing it as lacking credibility without addressing the specific allegations made.
Such dismissive and derisive language not only delegitimises concerns raised by the Muslim community but also perpetuates harmful tropes. By framing the report as an attack on free speech and success, the article sidesteps the issue of anti-Muslim hate and instead targets those who call for accountability. This rhetoric can fuel anti-religious sentiments, exacerbate societal divisions, and contribute to the normalisation of discriminatory attitudes against Muslims.
The report by the Centre for Media Monitoring helps to highlight the biased reporting and negative portrayals of Muslims in the media. We at the Get the Trolls Out project who monitor the UK media space, have noted numerous instances of coverage based on prejudice and bias which have real-world consequences, including increased discrimination and hostility towards individuals of Islamic faith. The concerns raised in their report deserve to be taken seriously and addressed constructively, not dismissed with ridicule.
We strongly encourage GB News to adopt a more accurate and nuanced approach when reporting on Britain’s Muslim community, recognising its rich diversity. Journalism relies on the fundamental principles of truth, accuracy, and objectivity. However, by framing certain communities in a negative light, employing sensationalist language, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about marginalized groups, and making sweeping generalisations, these principles are undermined. For guidance and further insight, we invite you to explore our resources.
https://getthetrollsout.org/resources
We hope you will take our feedback into consideration. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss this matter further.
Sincerely,
Get The Trolls Out Team
