Nearly 50% of all UK media articles about Muslims in 2025 showed bias, according to a new report by the Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM). The study highlights widespread structural prejudice across British journalism.
The report, “The State of British Media 2025: Reporting on Muslims and Islam”, analysed 40,913 articles across 30 major news outlets. It is the largest study of its kind in the UK. Findings were presented at an event in the House of Commons. Speakers included CfMM analysts, media experts, and academics from leading institutions.
The study shows that biased portrayals of Muslims are systemic, not random. About 70% of articles linked Muslims to negative behaviour or issues. Nearly half of all articles contained measurable bias. Bias was identified using five indicators: negative associations, broad generalisations, distortion, omission of context, and sensational headlines.
Right-wing publications were most often responsible for extreme bias. Outlets such as The Spectator, GB News, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Sun, Daily Express, The Times, and Jewish Chronicle scored worst across all bias measures. The Spectator had the highest proportion of “very biased” articles. The Telegraph and Daily Mail produced the largest total number of severely biased reports.
Generalisation about Muslims was mostly seen in right-leaning media. GB News, despite being a new channel, ranked among the worst-performing outlets. Left-leaning and public service media, including the BBC and The Guardian, recorded far lower bias levels. The BBC showed the strongest overall editorial standards.
The report also found that contextual omission was the most widespread problem. About 44% of biased articles failed to provide proper context or diverse perspectives. This was not limited to right-wing outlets and reflects a structural weakness in UK journalism.
Experts say biased reporting shapes public opinion and influences political debate. It also affects the everyday lives of Britain’s 4 million Muslims. The report warns that repeated negative portrayals can fuel prejudice, hate crimes, and support for restrictive policies.
According to CfMM, the findings are “deeply concerning” because they show structural patterns, not isolated incidents. Repeated negative framing of entire communities has long-term social consequences.
