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About InFocus |
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What is Southern California InFocus?
Southern California InFocus is the largest Muslim newspaper in California. The Anaheim-based newspaper was started in February 2005 by a group of Muslim activists who wanted to make a difference by empowering the Muslim community with its own media outlet. InFocus is a free monthly and comes out by the 3rd of each month.
What kind of recognition has the newspaper received?
Just in its first few months, InFocus was featured in the LA Times, Orange County Register, and Anaheim Bulletin. NPR (KPCC 89.3) has also invited its editor multiple times to speak on issues related to Islam and Muslims in the Southland. KTLA also featured an interview with the newspaper’s editor.
What is the distribution/circulation of the paper?
The paper now boasts a circulation of 25,000 copies, which are distributed at over 350 Muslim businesses and mosques throughout Southern California and Northern California. Although it is a free publication, InFocus has over 1,200 subscribers, including hundreds of the area’s leading interfaith leaders, elected officials, law enforcement agents, and media professionals.
What kinds of stories does InFocus cover?
InFocus covers a large variety of local, national, and international events, features, profiles, and has the following sections: arts, book review, restaurant review, Islam, money, legal, kids, travel, interfaith, commentary, and opinion.
What is the purpose of InFocus?
As the focus of the newspaper has been Southern California, most importantly, it is serving to document the rich history of Muslims in the Southland – past and present. Through feature stories, mosque profiles, interviews of individuals who have made a difference, and in-depth coverage of news stories affecting Muslims, InFocus is the first localized effort in Southern California to record the American Muslim experience. For American Muslims, it is a platform which brings forth issues of their concern. For the larger community, it is a window into the Muslim world right here in California.
Does InFocus have a website?
Yes. InFocus can be found online at www.infocusnews.net. Currently, all previous issues are available in PDF format.
Who writes for InFocus?
InFocus is fortunate to have a variety of writers from diverse backgrounds. Anayat Durrani, who writes feature stories for InFocus, has served as the U.S. based correspondent for Al-Ahram Weekly. Columnist Lawrence Swaim is the President of the Interfaith Freedom Foundation and addresses current affairs from an American Christian and Interfaith perspective. Staff Writer Munira Syeda brings experience from local newspapers such as “The Press Enterprise” and “The Sun.” Staff Writer Angela Collins, who accepted Islam after September 11, was a talk show personality on IslamiCity’s “The Sun is Rising in the West” broadcast. San Diego correspondent Affad Shaikh has a degree in International Studies and Political Science. Reverend Connie Regener, who writes a column for InFocus, is an ordained minister and currently serves as a hospital chaplain. InFocus has more staff writers and contributing writers from different backgrounds, but whose objective is the same – to provide, honest, effective, and professional reporting.
What are some of the feature stories that InFocus has covered?InFocus profiled the Cham Muslim community in Santa Ana – the second largest in the country after Seattle, discussing their life and challenges in America after fleeing persecution in Cambodia. In its coverage of domestic violence, it discussed an often taboo topic in the community and provided real stories and solutions. Providing a positive image of Islam and Muslims, InFocus had exclusive coverage on the life and character of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. InFocus also worked to bridge the gap with other communities by profiling an Orthodox Jewish family and sharing its customs and beliefs, and the Mormon community, discussing similarities between Islam and Mormonism.
What is the InFocus Mosque Profile Series?
Southern California is home to more than 60 mosques, many of which have a unique story to tell. Each month, InFocus features one of these mosques, bringing to life its history, contributions, and people which make it a vibrant part of the American Muslim community. Some of the mosques profiled include the Riverside mosque – home to the first minaret in California, the Islamic Society of Orange County – one of the largest mosques on the West Coast, and Masjid AbuBakr in San Diego.
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