i-debate

Northwest Vision and Media, together with the CDNN (Cultural Diversity Network North) are proud to launch the ?i-debate?, an online forum designed to give everyone a chance to put their point of view on a number of diversity issues.

You will be able to debate directly with experts through online chat, post your questions and comments, follow the opinions of our guest bloggers and participate further through our dedicated discussion groups.

Blog

During the week we had?our guest blogger Laura Smith?following the debate and giving?her opinion on?the film, the live chat and your comments or questions.

“In the film produced for this debate by the Cultural Diversity Network North, there is palpable frustration with the one-dimensional view presented of people from Muslim backgrounds within the press and broadcast media, particularly television.”

Laura is a regular contributor to the Guardian and has a special interest in criminal justice and racial politics. Read Laura’s?latest blog entry here.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly?

British Muslims are one of the most commonly discussed communities in the media today. In?our special?film, Muslims from different backgrounds offer their perspectives on how they feel the media portrays them.

This short film gives an insight into their opinions on the challenges that the media poses to them today. We hear from university students Zam Zam and Nimo from Bolton; Preacher, Mohammed and Azhar - the comedians from the critically acclaimed Allah Made Me Funny tour and a number of professionals based here in the north of England. Watch the film here

Live webchat

The first live online debate explored key issues around diversity and onscreen portrayal of Muslims.

We were joined by Aaqil Ahmed?who is a Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 and Lord Ahmed who was instrumental in the recent release of ?teddy row? teacher Gillian Gibbons.

It took?place on Wednesday 12th December 2007 at 3.30pm

You can now read?a full transcript of the live chat.

If you would like to continue the debate, you can leave a comment, or visit the CDNN Facebook group.

Get involved!

?Everyone joining the forum will be able to debate directly with experts through online chat, post questions and comments, then follow the opinions of our guest bloggers. There?s also the opportunity to participate further through our dedicated discussion groups,? explains Janette O’Carroll, Training and Development Manager for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region?s film, TV and digital content industries.

Please leave your comments?on the blog and comments page