CNN and FT.com Remove Images Promptly, FT Apologizes
CNN Homepage on May 6, 2011
On Friday, May 6th, two major news outlets, CNN and Financial Times (FT), published online articles about Osama bin Laden using images of a Sikh to supplement the news stories. Both images were featured on the outlets’ homepages and were likely viewed by millions of readers.
Article on FT Homepage on May 6,2011
Within minutes of the images being published, SALDEF contacted editors at both outlets and alerted them to the inappropriate use of the image. CNN removed the image from its homepage within thirty minutes and FT removed the image within three hours. FT acknowledged the error and provided a written apology. SALDEF is currently pursuing an apology from CNN and seeking an opportunity to conduct a presentation for the CNN staff, as this is the third instance within the last two years that they have inappropriately used images of Sikhs. In letters to the media outlets, Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, stated, “Normally, we would be pleased that [CNN / FT] is using the image of a Sikh to show how the general public is reacting to a story. In this case however, the image negatively impacts the Sikh American community and increases the likelihood of bias against community members by conflating our identity with that of Osama bin Laden.” SALDEF appreciates the rapid response from both news outlets and is thankful to community members who alerted us about this issue. If you see misrepresentations of Sikhs or the Sikh faith in the media, please
contact us.
