By Robert J. Marsh-
The press regulator, Ipso is set to publish new guidance for journalists on the reporting of Islam and Muslims.
The Independent Press Standards Organisation announced its preparation of guidelines to help reporters covering what it has called a “sensitive area”. IPSO says the guidance to be published later this year, does not impinge on journalists’ “right to criticise, challenge or stimulate debate”. The press regulator made reference to complaints made in the last two years about how the media has reported stories in connection to Islam.
Once announced, it is bound to be subject to plenty of scrutiny. However, the press regulator have a body of professionals on their board, and also liaise closely with other bodies on issues of concern before publishing a well thought out set of guidelines.
The topic is one of five “priority areas” the watchdog plans to address in 2019, as part of its standards and monitoring work. IPSO head of standards Charlotte Urwin wrote: “In October 2018, we began working towards producing guidance for journalists on the reporting of Islam and Muslims in the UK, an area of broad political and social concern.
“The guidance will help journalists to report on a sensitive area, whilst also ensuring that it does not impinge their right to criticise, challenge or stimulate debate.
“We have established an informal working group to help us draft the guidance, bringing together academics who have research experience in relation to Islam and Muslims in the UK and representatives of organisations interested in the coverage of Islam. We will also be engaging widely with journalists and editors, as well as other interested groups or individuals.
“Engaging with organisations and individuals interested in reporting in this area, as well as journalists, will help us to ensure that the guidance is relevant and addresses key points of concern. We expect to publish the guidance in autumn 2019.”
Charlotte added IPSO would also be developing guidance on the reporting of major incidents, domestic violence and court cases, as well as continuing a media literacy programme designed to help members of the public understand the organisation’s work.