City Research Online

Abstract

This thesis examines the neo-orientalist representation of Muslims within the securitization discourse and highlights journalists’ experiences and efforts to challenge and counter this dominant portrayal. It explores the colonial history and current practices of media representations of racialised communities, including Muslims, with the aim of countering these discourses. The neo-colonial narrative has been identified as a key force shaping media portrayals of Islam and Muslims in British media. Thus, this research adopts a critical perspective to examine how Muslims are represented within the securitization context. Recognising its underuse in media representation research, this study applies this approach to counter Islamophobic narratives in the media.

In that light, this study employed a triangular qualitative methodology, combining qualitative content analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus groups to generate valuable insights and deliver a rigorous, objective analysis. Through employing a qualitative content analysis of The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian over certain periods, the findings revealed that although these broadsheets employ different approaches to Muslim-related stories, both liberal and far-right representations share common frames and thematic elements.

This thesis adds value by using focus groups and in-depth interviews, exploring the experiences, perspectives and recommendations of media stakeholders, including practitioners and civil society representatives who engage with Muslim communities and media organisations to counter Islamophobia. By exploring decolonial framework, this study puts forward methods and recommendations to challenge this discourse, reframe the dominant narrative about Muslims as well as ethnic minorities and investigative how neo-colonial power dynamics shape knowledge production and give rise to epistemic Islamophobia in the media, as a part of epistemic racism.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races J Political Science > JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration N Fine Arts > NE Print media
Departments:	School of Communication & Creativity > Department of Journalism School of Communication & Creativity > School of Communication & Creativity Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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