Notes on Crime & Media - Part 1

Course Overview
  • Course name: Crime & Media - Pt 1
  • Institution: Murdoch University
  • Instructor: Dr. Greg Martin
Acknowledgment
  • Recognition of the Aboriginal culture and land rights of the Whadjuk and Binjareb Noongar people.
Media Landscape
  • Media is diverse with various institutions, formats (TV, newspapers, internet).
  • Representation of media varies per individual experiences.
Key Research Questions in Crime & Media
  • Can media portray a coherent view of crime?
  • Do media reflect reality or construct their own values and beliefs?
  • How do media affect audience perceptions of marginalized groups?
  • Do media reinforce or challenge power structures?
  • Is media violence linked to aggression or fear in audiences?
Theories of Media Effects
  • Hypodermic syringe model: Direct influence of media on audiences (criticized for lack of free will).
  • Two-step flow model: Media influence filtered through social relationships and opinion leaders.
Case Example
  • War of the Worlds broadcast panic in 1938 highlighting potential media influence on behavior.
Newsworthiness
  • Determined by journalist perception of good storytelling rather than ideology.
  • Elements of newsworthiness: immediacy, dramatization, personalization, and novelty.
  • High emphasis on violent crimes and celebrity cases.
Media Representations of Crime
  • Focus on specific violent crimes rather than comprehensive crime discussions.
  • Sensationalism common in tabloid media; leads to penal populism in politics.
Methodological Concerns
  • Media interpretation is subjective; varies by audience demographics.
  • Blurring lines between fact and fiction in media portrayals of crime.
Summary of Media Representations
  • Crime is consistently highlighted in media; focus on serious violent crimes.
  • Risk perceptions exaggerate the threat of crime compared to official statistics.
  • Media typically promote a positive image of law enforcement but are becoming increasingly critical.
Discussion on Sex Crimes in Media
  • Increased focus on sexual violence in news; positive awareness but negative impact on progressive discussion.
  • Representation can perpetuate violence against women in media narratives.
Media and Violence
  • Links between media exposure and violence are complex; some effects noted but tend to diminish over time.
  • Evidence suggests media may influence behavior, but not conclusively criminogenic.
Conclusion
  • Ongoing examination of how crime and media influence public perception and policy.
  • Further discussions planned in subsequent course sessions.