Is the Nature of Crime in Our Society Accurately Presented by the Media?

Australians are one of the most informed people on this planet, with a love of both entertainment and news. In many ways violence and crime can be seen and heard in Australia thanks to the evolution of media technology throughout the years. It can provide valuable information. However, the media does not always accurately report the nature and representation of crimes but usually reports the most violent crimes in every day society, how these crimes are likely to occur and increase. Firstly, this essay will discuss the most reported crimes and why the media is most likely not to source crucial data or academic resources. This therefore may provide inaccurate reports to the public. Secondly, the process as to how media reports have to pass through to be released to the general public will be discussed through Herman and Chomsky’s propaganda model (Lester, 1992). Finally, this essay will discuss the effects that media has on society and especially the younger member in particular, the paper will discuss how there is misrepresentation of unlawful community acts.

The most popular way information is transmitted to the public includes television shows, such as daily news programs, television drama shows, cinema (movies), and also informational videos. Another source where the public is able to obtain information is through daily newspapers, magazines, and talk back radio shows (Gascoigne, & Metcalfe, 1995). Radio was invented in 1906 and the World Wide Web was first developed in 1964-8 (Stöber, 2004). These sources have a large part to play in the distribution of criminal reporting (Cohen-Avigdor,& Lehman-Wilzig 2004). Information is distributed through these sources not only locally but also nationally and internationally. It is therefore very easy to see how the media plays a large part in our everyday lives, how it can affect and influence us and how we see and view crime (Feilzer, 2007). Social communication and the media are especially likely to effect young people (Chia, 2010). There are many ways of reporting through the media and this includes stories. Consequently, the public’s views are influenced with possible adverse reactions and with a lack of understanding as to how to relate to the nature of the crime (Chia, 2010).

The reason for the media generally targeting and reporting violent stories is because society wants to know about it, it is entertaining, and is much easier to understand and explain than white-collar crimes. In general, this form of media discussion satisfies an individual’s inquisitive and adventurous nature.

Research of crime newspapers shows that 54 percent report violent stories, while 75 percent of crimes presented on television were mostly sexual. There were unspecified assaults reported (Ertter, & Vinson, 2002). Moreover, these violent crimes are often dramatised because viewers appear to be attracted to this type of presentation. The media