Study finds UK media skewed against Muslims in analyzed 40,000 articles

Study Finds Bias in Media Coverage of Muslims in UK

A recent study by the Centre for Media Monitoring has assessed 40,000 articles from 30 outlets in the UK. The report found that 70% of the articles associated Muslims or Islam with negative aspects or behaviors.

The study, which is considered the largest of its kind in the UK, identified a “systemic problem” within the media ecosystem. It stated that nearly half of the articles published about Muslims contained a high degree of bias.

News organizations that cater to right-wing voters were more likely to produce biased coverage about Muslims. The Spectator magazine and GB News television channel were found to be among the worst in terms of bias, along with several other newspapers.

On the other hand, outlets such as ITV, the Metro newspaper, BBC, and Sky News were less likely to produce biased coverage.

The study was released during a time when anti-Muslim hate crimes are rising in Britain. The UK reported a 19% increase in religious hate crimes against Muslims between October 2024 and March 2025.

The Centre for Media Monitoring noted that extensive research has shown correlations between negative portrayals of Muslims and rising hate crime, employment discrimination, and support for restrictive policies.

In one example, the report cited right-wing media amplifying a claim by US President Donald Trump that London was governed by “Sharia law”. The study found that while some outlets fact-checked the claim, others presented it as credible.

Source: Al Jazeera