p. 1647. Crime and the media
- Steve Case, Steve CaseProfessor of Criminology, University of Loughborough
- Phil Johnson, Phil JohnsonCriminology Lecturer and Academic Subject Leader, University Centre at Blackburn College
- David Manlow, David ManlowPrincipal Lecturer in Criminology
- Roger SmithRoger SmithProfessor of Social Work, Durham University
- and Kate WilliamsKate WilliamsSenior Lecturer in Criminology, Aberystwyth University
Abstract
This chapter examines media representations of crime and criminals. It first considers the public's fascination with crime before turning to two main methods traditionally used by criminologists to record the reporting of crime: content analysis and discourse analysis. It then assesses the capacity of media to distort and shape public perceptions of crime, criminality, and the criminal justice system. It also explores the importance of media in forming new narratives such as citizen journalism; how young people and migrants are portrayed in the media; the depiction of crime in novels, television, and film; media classification and censorship; and the fear and panic caused by new technology and new media such as video games. The chapter concludes by describing different kinds of cybercrime such as hacking and identity theft, along with young people's use of the Internet.
