Discuss public reaction to media coverage

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Much has been said about the impact of television programing—particularly on young members of the viewing public. This impact is behind the recent move of the television networks to restrict the amount of violence shown on television. This is understandable because the average American child watches more than 20 hours of television a week and studies have shown that youths exposed to violence and aggression on television and in the movies are more likely to copy that behavior. The media, particularly television has been criticized by citizens for what citizens have perceived as exploitation of crime coverage. Yet, one might suggest that the media –whether television or some other type—is giving the public what it wants to know since crime news is of strong interest to the public and affects the amount of financial gain for a media outlet. Interestingly, public reaction to media coverage of crime can have a negative as well a positive effect. On the one hand, coverage about crime may increase the amount of fear among citizens even though the probability of the average citizen experiencing a particular type of crime is low. However, crime coverage may encourage citizens to take preventive measures to help them from becoming a victim of crime.