Journalists Issue Guidelines That Downplay Islam in Terrorism

The Society of Professional Journalists has issued “diversity guidelines,” which are now posted online. No longer confined to the quaint idea of impartially reporting the news, the media are advised to change opinions, engage in public relations and "demystify" Islam and even ask "targeted communities" to "review" coverage and "make suggestions."

— Cover the victims of harassment, murder and other hate crimes as thoroughly as you cover the victims of overt terrorist attacks.

— When writing about terrorism, remember to include white supremacist, radical anti-abortionists and other groups with a history of such activity.

— Avoid using word combinations such as "Islamic terrorist" or "Muslim extremist". Alternate choices, depending on context, include "Al Qaeda terrorists" or "political Islamists." [?]

— Avoid using terms such as "jihad". The basic meaning of "jihad" is to exert oneself for the good of Islam and to better oneself.

— Ask men and women from within targeted [?] communities to review your coverage and make suggestions.

Asking "targeted communities" to "make suggestions" about terrorism coverage is extremely worrisome and will affect media impartiality and independence. Don't journalism schools teach independent evaluation of stories? Some of what the SPJ advocates is sensible. All Muslims are not terrorists. However, it ridiculous to claim that it is unimportant that a man recited passages from the Koran before breaking into an airplane cockpit.

This pattern of downplaying inconvenient story lines is one reason why almost 70% of Americans believe the traditional media are out of touch. The media are too busy trying to help America “understand” The New Truth to realize their audience no longer thinks they are reliable.

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