Samantha Marie Walkden

Public and societal opinions and attitudes towards crime and criminal behaviour have been, and continue to be, heavily influenced by the media representations of such behaviour. The reporting on, and depictions of offending behaviour, criminal justice processes and treatment of those who offend can influence perceptions of offending behaviour and impact public attitudes towards crime and punishment. This chapter explores the intersection between media and crime, with specific interest into how it impacts the public.
Firstly, we will define crime and the appearance, use, and prevalence of it in the media, with recognition of affecting cultural norms, journalistic choices, and socioeconomic pressure. Television, newspapers, films, and social media present discourse of crime from unique angles, in their own individual ways. From the early Penny Press to contemporary digital mediums, crime reporting has evolved in line with technological advancements and public consumption demands, changing the narratives to suit. Theoretical frameworks, such as Cultivation Theory and Moral Panics, reveal the impact and outcomes of heightened fear of crime and preference for punitive measures. The prioritisation of certain narratives is outlined in theories of Agenda-Setting and Framing, influencing justice policies and public opinion on judicial staff.
This chapter addresses fictional and real portrayals of crime, with the perpetuation of stereotypes to amplify or distort particular cases with widespread societal emotive reactions. Social media and viral crimes stories have created new patterns of reporting, encouraging awareness, and in some cases, copycat behaviours. We conclude with an exploration of future trends with a look towards broader policy implications of the media’s influence on offending behaviours, criminal justice, and the public.