FCA members are invited to attend a talk by Ms Janet Steele, associate professor of media and public affairs and international affairs at George Washington University, who recently launched her book Mediating Islam: Cosmopolitan Journalisms in Muslim South-east Asia.

Published by NUS Press, the book looks at the practice of journalism in Malaysia and Indonesia through the lens of Islam, and the relations of journalism’s universalist goals with Islamic values. At its broadest, it tries to see how journalism can be thought of outside the particular Western liberal approach which often claims to “own it”.

"This book represents an important advance in de-Westernising media studies. Janet Steele investigates how Muslim journalists in Indonesia and Malaysia apply their religious principles. Rejecting univocal, monolithic notions of religion, the book introduces us to a rich tapestry of media organisations and practitioners, showing how Islam has inspired a wide range of ideological stances and professional role perceptions. For journalism studies, the book invites a rethink of secular liberalism as the only foundation for journalisms that value independence, truth and justice." - Cherian George, professor of media studies, Hong Kong Baptist University.

Ms Steele will talk about journalism in Malaysia and Indonesia, Islamisation in these countries and its relationship to political trends. She will also reflect on the deployment (or not!) of religious values in the journalistic enterprise.

The talk and the Q & A segment will be moderated by Mr Zakir Hussain, Foreign Editor, The Straits Times.

Light refreshments will be served.

Please register directly with the Singapore Press Club at secretariat@pressclub.org.sg by July 31.