Arabs have long been misrepresented, under-represented and negatively stereotyped in Western media and film. This does not just influence Western foreign policies that are felt directly in the Arab world, but also Western public perceptions that affect Arab expatriate communities. Britain is no exception.
Many believe the media's ever-increasing reach and influence on public opinion has given it the power to manipulate and distort. Arab Media Watch believes this very growth, with the advent of the internet and satellite broadcasting, provides a unique opportunity to educate and inform.
As the only organisation of its kind in the UK, AMW has filled a vital niche in striving for objective British coverage of Arab issues, be they political, economic, cultural or social.
As Britain is a major player on the world stage, and the Arab world has such global economic, geo-political and historical importance, AMW aims to be a bridge of understanding at a time when the idea of a "clash of civilisations" is gaining alarming acceptance. The media is the most effective tool in building this bridge, and since our inception in September 2000, we have proven adept at utilising it against difficult odds.
We are firmly established as a professional, independent, credible and dynamic organisation. Since our founding, we have achieved a solid track record. Our main activities include:
- monitoring and analysing the British media
- establishing a dialogue with journalists and editors
- helping journalists and editors with research and information
- fielding and arranging interviews
- producing monitoring studies, reports, press releases, background documents and fact sheets
- writing articles and commentaries for various newspapers, magazines and websites
- getting letters published in the press
- organising and speaking at topical events, universities and debates
- encouraging our members to engage the media in a polite, factual and targeted manner
Our website is full of constantly updated, practical information, and is visited by millions - from media outlets and the general public, to academic institutions, government departments and human rights organisations, with which we liaise.
We are neither mouthpieces nor apologists for anyone. We stand by universal principles such as human rights and international law, regardless of victim or perpetrator. We believe there is nothing partial about supporting freedom, justice, democracy and equality for all peoples.
While we focus on the Arab world, our work has universal importance. After all, racism comes from ignorance, from the perception of 'us' and 'them'. Prejudice is often the conviction that one is inferior or suspicious due to skin colour, ethnicity or faith. Thus phenomena such as Arabophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and apartheid often share the same roots.
Therefore, while breaking down stereotypes for one people, we hope to foster greater understanding and tolerance of all peoples. This is evidenced in our diverse membership, where people of various faiths, ethnicities, nationalities, viewpoints and backgrounds come together for a common good. We thank you sincerely for your support and participation.
To register with AMW, click here.
To find out who we are, click here.
To contact us, click here.