On Thursday 12 December, the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM) hosted the launch of its groundbreaking report, ‘GB News: A Snapshot of Anti-Muslim Hate’, at the Frontline Club, London. This two-year analysis reveals a troubling pattern of bias, misinformation, and far-right tropes perpetuated by GB News in its portrayal of Muslims and Islam.
The launch event featured a distinguished panel, including: Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, First Muslim Cabinet Minister, Stewart Purvis CBE, Former ITN Executive and Ofcom Regulator, and Gavin Esler, award-winning broadcaster.
The report uncovers a concerning obsession with Islam, portraying Muslims through a lens of suspicion and hostility. It underscores the harmful role GB News has played in shaping public attitudes and exacerbating social division.
Key findings from the report include:
🔴 Over a two-year period, GB News mentioned Muslims or Islam more than 17,000 times, accounting for 50% of all mentions on UK news channels.
🔴 62% of summer riot coverage framed Muslims as perpetrators instead of victims, downplaying attacks on mosques and Muslim communities.
🔴 GB News referenced Islamophobia 1,180 times, 60% of all mentions compared to BBC News and Sky News, primarily to dismiss its existence or undermine its significance.
🔴 GB News regularly cast suspicion on Muslims in civic spaces, regurgitating far-right tropes such as the ‘Great Replacement’ conspiracy theory and claims of a Muslim ‘takeover.’
Commenting on the report’s findings, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed, 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 step in to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the media.”