Media Representation of Crime
This page explores various forms of media and their role in representing crime to the public. It covers newspapers, television, films, electronic gaming, social media, and music, providing insights into how each medium portrays criminal activities.
Vocabulary: Tabloid - A type of newspaper with small pages, many pictures, and sometimes short stories.
Vocabulary: Broadsheet - A newspaper that is printed on large sheets of paper.
Vocabulary: Scaremongering - The spreading of stories that can scare the public or cause fear.
Newspapers dedicate a significant amount of space to crime reporting, often focusing on violent crimes such as stabbings, shootings, murders, and terrorist attacks. A study found that a substantial percentage of news reports are about crime. When major events occur, newspapers often feature extensive coverage with photos and reports, sometimes exaggerating the severity of the crime, which can lead to public fear.
Television broadcasts both real and fictional crime content. For example, "Brooklyn 99" is a fictional crime show, while dramas like "The Act" are based on real-life cases. Research from 2007 indicated that around 1/10 of prime-time TV was based on crime and law enforcement, with this figure increasing in recent years.
Example: "The Act" is a true-crime drama based on the life of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, showcasing how television can represent real criminal cases.
Films also play a significant role in media representation of crime, with a considerable portion of all films being crime movies. Both real and fictional crime stories are portrayed in cinema.
Highlight: The 1993 James Bulger murder case highlighted the potential influence of media on crime, as the perpetrators cited the movie "Child's Play 3" as an influence.
Electronic gaming is another medium that represents crime, often targeting adult audiences with violent content. There are concerns about the potential desensitization to violence through prolonged exposure to violent video games.
