CNN removed a panellist, Ryan Girdusky, after a remark directed at Mehdi Hasan on air. That CNN acted immediately should be the minimum standard, not the exception.

What is telling is that of the six people on that panel, the three brown participants spoke up and took offence. The two others appeared to sit in stunned silence.

Racism and prejudice have been a feature of mainstream media for decades. This incident is not the whole fight — but where, when and how it happened matters.

We need more representation in media

Mehdi Hasan did not end up on that panel by accident. He earned the seat through decades of perseverance, development, training, hard work and study — and, in all likelihood, a great deal of abuse and racism along the way.

This is another demonstration of why we need people in mainstream media — and not only in the visible roles, but behind the cameras: in production, editing, finance, sales and distribution.

It is unlikely CNN would have invited Mehdi Hasan, or voices like his, a decade ago. He has built the blend of fire and control that live debate demands. A decade ago CNN and its peers had few non-white or female hosts. Would a Piers Morgan or a Larry King have handled that moment the same way?

Are we creating the skills?

We have to do our part in producing these journalists.

• Are we developing debating skills in our young people — or producing people who simply argue?
• Are those skills being honed, or do we still value academic marks above skills?
• Is there any real effort at critical thinking — or is that only acceptable while it does not challenge our own prejudices, traditions and positions?
• Do we teach logical argument from facts, or do we model emotional appeals, recycled conspiracy theories, and a descent into hate?

Are we creating the conditions for the next Mehdi Hasan — or waiting for one to happen by accident?

CNN removes guest over remark to Mehdi Hasan — Newsweek.

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Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of building media, political science and journalism capacity. Visit samnet.co.za to learn more about our Journalism Bursary.