Crime Coverage
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- December 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190863531
- eISBN:
- 9780190863579
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190863531.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Law, Crime and Deviance
Crime coverage practices vary widely among the models, but these variations are under threat in an increasingly globalized world. To consider what is at stake, this chapter details some of the ...
More
Crime coverage practices vary widely among the models, but these variations are under threat in an increasingly globalized world. To consider what is at stake, this chapter details some of the threats to preserving cultural difference, and then suggests journalists in each Watchdog country consider borrowing aspects of Ireland’s approach as one possible way to push back as a profession against government threats of legislation, business incursions, profit motivations, and, most importantly, to counter, in ways unique to each country, others’ influence on crime coverage. The chapter discusses the professionalism of journalism and accountability measures, like news ombudspersons and press councils, to better include voices of citizens and shore up flagging credibility. Finally, the importance of maintaining individual crime coverage practices is asserted because without a distinct voice, all journalism risks defaulting to an exaggerated tell-all American or British style that is synonymous with, and driven by, the Internet, not by best practices.Less
Crime coverage practices vary widely among the models, but these variations are under threat in an increasingly globalized world. To consider what is at stake, this chapter details some of the threats to preserving cultural difference, and then suggests journalists in each Watchdog country consider borrowing aspects of Ireland’s approach as one possible way to push back as a profession against government threats of legislation, business incursions, profit motivations, and, most importantly, to counter, in ways unique to each country, others’ influence on crime coverage. The chapter discusses the professionalism of journalism and accountability measures, like news ombudspersons and press councils, to better include voices of citizens and shore up flagging credibility. Finally, the importance of maintaining individual crime coverage practices is asserted because without a distinct voice, all journalism risks defaulting to an exaggerated tell-all American or British style that is synonymous with, and driven by, the Internet, not by best practices.
Crime Coverage
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- December 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190863531
- eISBN:
- 9780190863579
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190863531.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Law, Crime and Deviance
Watchdog reporters’ crime coverage practices are contrasted with those of the Protector countries; while the latter largely trust their institutions and government officials, Watchdogs do not. Thus, ...
More
Watchdog reporters’ crime coverage practices are contrasted with those of the Protector countries; while the latter largely trust their institutions and government officials, Watchdogs do not. Thus, they routinely publish extensive details about an offense, an alleged perpetrator, and victims. This chapter explores how, on the one hand, these details can lead to an exploration of larger social issues, but, on the other hand, they can also lead to sensationalism. Watchdogs want few limits on transparency, but they can lose sight of what people need to know, and cater to capitalist ends, rather than sound, journalistic ones. Journalists in this model see their primary obligation as informing the people because sunlight is the best disinfectant. Using an historical perspective, we outline how the principles of the Enlightenment, the emphasis on the individual, and an abiding belief in peoples’ ability to be rational, underlie this ethical perspective and influence crime coverage choices.Less
Watchdog reporters’ crime coverage practices are contrasted with those of the Protector countries; while the latter largely trust their institutions and government officials, Watchdogs do not. Thus, they routinely publish extensive details about an offense, an alleged perpetrator, and victims. This chapter explores how, on the one hand, these details can lead to an exploration of larger social issues, but, on the other hand, they can also lead to sensationalism. Watchdogs want few limits on transparency, but they can lose sight of what people need to know, and cater to capitalist ends, rather than sound, journalistic ones. Journalists in this model see their primary obligation as informing the people because sunlight is the best disinfectant. Using an historical perspective, we outline how the principles of the Enlightenment, the emphasis on the individual, and an abiding belief in peoples’ ability to be rational, underlie this ethical perspective and influence crime coverage choices.
