Media Roles And Crime
MEDIA ROLES AND CRIME.
In this lesson readers explore the commercial and ethical issues surrounding the reporting of crime in televised newscasts. They begin by discussing their attitudes toward crime, followed by the reading of a handout comparing Canadian and American crime reporting and further discussion about crime and 'the business' of television news. Students further explore how the media affect our perceptions about crime through a discussion on the media's treatment of various 'crime waves.' This lesson includes a group activity where students audit nightly newscasts based on guidelines they have established for responsible TV crime reporting.
Learning Outcomes
Readers will:
understand that the news is a form of entertainment which, like other television programs, competes for viewers
appreciate the different needs of local and national news stations, and how this affects the selection of news items
appreciate the challenges faced by journalists in trying to offer crime reporting that is not sensational.
understand the role of crime reporting in attracting viewers
understand the ways in which crime reporting affects our own perceptions of crime
Preparation and Materials
A good introduction to the predominance of crime in local newscasts is the film If It Bleeds It Leads
Procedure
Guided Discussion
Ask Readers:
On average, do you think crime is increasing or decreasing in Canada? (Tally and record the number of students who answer 'yes' to this question, and the number who answer 'no'.)
Distribute Our Top Story Tonight to Readers. When they have read the handout, ask the following questions:
According to this handout, how does crime in the news relate to crime in the real world?
Were you surprised by these statistics?
Was your original opinion regarding the crime rate influenced by crime reports in...
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