setv - First Muslim Live Radio Talk Show Starts in Washington, Aiming to Fight Demonising Muslims

First Muslim Live Radio Talk Show Starts in Washington, Aiming to Fight Demonising Muslims

Written by englishtv

Saturday
27 December, 2008

Recognizing the importance of the media, American Muslim community leaders have launched a live radio talk show from Washington to give an accurate image of their community.
"We are the only Muslim voice on a popular radio - New World Radio WUST 1120 AM - from the nation's capital," host Mahdi Bray told IslamOnline.net. The show's first guest was Keith Ellison, America's first Muslim Congressman.
The 30-minute "The Crescent Report" show, Bray's brainchild, targets 1.5 million listeners in the greater Washington area.
Starting on Sundays from 11.30 am until 12.00 noon, it aims to give an accurate image of the Muslim faith to American audience.
"The mission for broadcasting this show is to give an authentic voice to the Muslim community in the United States and present the true image of Islam before the wider world," said Bray, Executive Director of the Muslim American Society (MAS)'s Freedom Foundation.
The first show last week hosted Keith Ellison, America's first Muslim Congressman, to talk about prospects and challenges facing American Muslims, estimated at nearly seven millions.
"Response from the audience is amazing," said Bray, adding that MAS is planning to expand the show for an hour after four months.
"This is a step forward towards Muslims independent media."
Bray said the show is open for the audience to talk about different issues of their concern.
"News and current affairs, politics, Islam, cultural events, civic and religious rights and responsibilities, Islamic economics, and even topics like fashion would be the subject matter of our discussion on this show."
He noted that guests will not be restricted to America.
"They can be from anywhere."
Much Needed
Co-host Ibrahim Abdil-Mu'id Ramey, MAS Freedom's Civil and Human Rights Director, said the radio show is an effective tool to reach out to the diverse Muslim and non-Muslim community in Washington D.C.
"It is both our social and religious responsibility to let the people know of the great treasure of Islamic religion."
Jameel Hussain, a 34-year-old cab driver, says he is proud of listening to a Muslim-hosted show in the heart of America.
"So far, we have been only hearing on mainstream media that Muslims are terrorists. But this will certainly change the image of Muslims as a civilized nation and Islam as a religion of peace," he told IOL.
Since the 9/11 attacks, American Muslims have become sensitized to an erosion of their civil rights, with a prevailing belief that America was targeting their faith.
Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the US largest Jewish movement, has accused US media and politicians of demonizing Islam and portraying Muslims as "satanic figures".
"This is a landmark step in the right direction," Hakeem Khan, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, told IOL.
He wants the duration of the show extended to one hour.
"Without a vibrant and independent media for them, Muslims can never have a reasonable and just place in American society."

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