Muslims Encouraged by Fox '24' Meeting
Network asks affiliates nationwide to air CAIR PSA

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/14/05) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today said that it is encouraged by a recent meeting in Los Angeles with representatives of the Fox television network to discuss Muslim concerns about the drama series "24."

CAIR called for Wednesday's meeting to address the depiction of a "Muslim" family that is at the heart of a terror plot in the popular program. The Washington- based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group is concerned that the portrayal of the family as a terrorist "sleeper cell" may cast a shadow of suspicion over ordinary American Muslims and could increase Islamophobic stereotyping and bias.

At the meeting, which included representatives from CAIR's Southern California office and from the Los Angeles-based Muslim Public Affairs Council, Fox officials said they would distribute a CAIR public service announcement (PSA) to network affiliates and ask that it be aired in proximity to "24."

TO VIEW THE CAIR PSA, GO TO:
http://www.cair.com/default.asp?page=PSAJun2004

SEE ALSO: "US TV to Screen Pro-Muslim Spots"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4173647.stm

FOX also gave meeting participants assurances that the program will be balanced in its portrayal of Muslims. Network representatives said that they had already reviewed existing episodes and removed some aspects that could potentially be viewed as stereotypical.

"We thank Fox for the opportunity to address the Muslim community's concerns and for the willingness of network officials to take those concerns seriously in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation," said CAIR Communications Coordinator Rabiah Ahmed. She added that CAIR looks forward to working with Fox in the future.

CAIR, America's largest Muslim advocacy group, has 30 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

A Response to this Story from an annonymous blogger:

(Source: In the Bullpen)

People need to quit taking things so seriously. "24" is a television show. If I protested every time a Texan or a red headed step-child was put in a less than glamorous light, I’d never have time to sleep. Has anyone seen the face of those who are actively plotting against the United States in terms of terrorism from foreigners? Of coure you have. They have two common traits; Middle Eastern and Islamic. The depiction of a Middle Eastern family as plotting a terrorist attack within the United States isn’t that far fetched. The vast majority of Americans understand not all Muslims are terrorists, but almost all terrorists threatening their lives are Muslim.

    
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