Victim ethnicity and victim-suspect relationship are associated with whether a homicide is reported in a newspaper. This study examined whether these two characteristics are related to the scope and nature of the coverage. Methods: A sample of 156 articles was selected via stratified random sampling from homicide articles published in the LA Times from 1990 through 1994. Stories about Black, Asian, and White homicide victims were matched on victim-suspect relationship (intimate, child, gang, other known, and stranger) and story date to articles about Hispanic homicide victims. Preliminary Findings: One article was written for the majority of the Black and Hispanic victims; more than one article was written for the majority of the Asian and White victims. Some story types were most likely to appear on the top of the page: Asian victim (61%) and child victim (59%). Male reporters were more likely to author gang homicide articles. Gang homicides were reported in emotional tones (sadness, shock vs. factual) more frequently than the other types of homicides; stranger homicides elicited the most consistent tones across race (50/50% factual/emotional). In the vast majority of the articles, background information was not provided on the victim (74%), suspect (84%), or the issue (81%). Implications: Given the agenda-setting function of the news media, the content and framing of homicide news stories have implications for the development of programs and policy related to violence prevention.
Learning Objectives: Identify at least 10 observed differences in news coverage between homicides differing by victim-suspect relationship and victim ethnicity
Keywords: Violence, Media
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.