British Arab Muslim Audiences and Television after September 11

This study of British Arab Muslim audiences in Cardiff, Wales, explores their reactions to the events of 11 September 2001 and their perceptions of media representations of Islam and Muslims. The availability of Arab satellite television channels in Britain enabled the respondents to see news that bolstered existing perspectives and a sense of Arab Muslim identity. Their news consumption allowed them to challenge dominant Western media narratives about the causes and consequences of the attacks. The study concludes with a discussion of ethnocentrism in the light of these findings.