Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice, Part 2

1
Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice, Part 2

• Dr. Matt Robinson
• CJ 3532
• Injustice in America
• Appalachian State University

2
Are people exposed to the Media?

• Yes, BUT most Americans do not follow the news
  closely (see p. 129)
• Nature of crime news means it does not have to be
  followed closely to have negative effects
• News media are primary source of information
  about crime
• Most people get news from TV
• TV is more easily consumed it can be taken in
  passively and does not require the ability to
  read to watch (p. 130).

3
Are people exposed to the Media?

• People believe media coverage of crime is
  accurate
• People also believe news coverage is biased in
  favor of one political party
• (most think media coverage favors Democrats)

4
Why Do the Media Get It So Wrong?

• Potential Explanations
• 1) Market Model Media cover it that way
  (violence, gore, sensational, celebrities)
  because of public demand to see it
• 2) Manipulative Model Media cover it that way
  (violence, gore, sensational, celebrities) to
  shape public opinion in line with corporate
  interests
• 3) Organizational Model Media cover it that way
  (violence, gore, sensational, celebrities)
  because crime is inherently subjective, which
  allows owners to generate profit from crime
  stories

5
Why Do the Media Get It So Wrong?

• In my opinion, the main reason the crime and
  criminal justice news is so inaccurate is due to
  organizational factors
• Media are owned by corporations that are run for
  profit
• Profit motive takes precedence over accuracy and
  truth
• We watch it, they show it (ratings)
• This allows them to SELL US things (marketing)

6
Why Do the Media Get It So Wrong?

• Now, the news is highly routinized
• It fits a known pattern
• (crime, crime, crime celebrity story, sensational
  story, weather, sports, feel good story)
• Media outlets rely on police and politicians more
  than experts with more critical views
• This reinforces Crime Control Model
• Media outlets also copy each other (imitation)
• Media members have no criminal justice education