Council on American-Islamic Relations CANADA (CAIR-CAN)
P.O. Box 13219, Ottawa, ONT, K2K 1X4
E-mail: canada@cair-net.org
Tel: 1-866-524-0004
Fax: (613) 254-9810
URL: www.caircan.ca
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In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR-CAN PUBLISHES A ‘JOURNALIST’S GUIDE TO ISLAM’
First-of-its-kind resource aims to promote ‘knowledgeable and nuanced’ coverage
of Islam
(Ottawa, Canada – 10/9/02) – The Canadian office of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) today announced the release of a
guide on Islam for journalists. The first-of-its-kind, ‘A Journalist’s Guide
to Islam’ is intended to provide ready and accurate information in
areas that media professionals might encounter during the course of preparing a
story about Islam and Muslims.
The guide highlights important facts and guidelines for covering Islam, provides
an overview of Islam’s history and core beliefs, discusses the Canadian Muslim
presence, and explains a number of traditionally misunderstood themes. The
guide also lists media contacts in every major Canadian city.
CAIR-CAN Executive Director Riad Saloojee stated, “Despite the fact that Islam
is one of the fastest growing religions in North America, it is generally poorly
understood. Consequently, media reporting may unwittingly perpetuate
misinformation and stereotypes.”
“The guide is intended to provide journalists with timely, reliable and accurate
resources to prepare stories with an Islamic angle that are both knowledgeable
and nuanced,” he added.
'A Journalist's Guide to Islam' was researched and written with the assistance
of the Centre for Faith and the Media, an independent, non-profit organization
currently being established in Calgary that aims to assist both media and faith
communities with coverage of religion and spirituality.
In addition to the journalist’s guide, CAIR-CAN has also produced educational
guides for employers, educators and health care providers.
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Contact: Riad Saloojee at 613-254-9704; E-mail:
canada@cair-net.org