Media Content

MEDIA CONTENT ANALYSIS
Name
Professor
Course
Institution
Date
1.0. Introduction
The purpose of this research paper is to make a content analysis of how crime is portrayed in the media, particularly in TV newscasts. The paper further makes a sociological analysis of the results obtained during the research. The results are based on observations made on the types of crimes reported in several Canadian TV newscasts. The results are analyzed using sociological theories and concepts, official statistics and any other scientific data available.This paper tries to show how the media portrays and reports on crimes, specifically in TV newscasts, focusing on the different types of crimes reported, and any significant similarities in their characteristics. The media play the greatest role on informing the public on events happening within and without their neighborhoods. This paper further goes ahead in trying to make a sociological analysis of the results, relating them to sociological concepts and theories.There are various types of media; the crime coverage made on the newscasts also varies. The national media generally does not cover individual crime stories if there are no unique aspects related to it. The local media cover most of crime stories in a certain geographical area, a county or a city. They provide depth coverage of crime occurring within such regions and at the same time giving limited coverage on events of national concern. News may also be hard news or soft news. Hard news is current news items covered in newscasts as they happen or shortly after their occurrence. This suggests that people need to be aware of such events as they happen. Soft news, on the other hand, is stories that are not time sensitive but are of immense human interest. The choice made in newscasts on what to cover and how to cover it influences the people of Canada`s perception of crime. The paper tries to disclose how the newscasts influence people`s reactions to crime and criminals. It has been observed that, children exposed to violent TV coverage are most likely to commit a crime in the future or even abuse their wives. From this, we can fairly conclude that violent crimes reported in Canadian newscasts influence criminality among the people. The public will always view what is aired based on how it is portrayed but, which may not necessary be the case. Some people may argue that this coverage expose people to the real life and thus, are meant to teach individuals on how to deal with real life situations. The effects and influence are, however, very diverse. The mass media, without any doubt, plays an extremely significant role in the creation of criminality and at large, the justice system. Theoretical perspectives have also been applied to show how crime is reported. How the public perceives deviants, criminals, law enforcement officials and victims are to a significant extent determined by how they are portrayed in the mass media, and by extension the TV newscasts. This research revolves around two main key issues: the concern of whether crime coverage instills fear among the public and whether this fear affects attitudes towards criminal justice policies. The media have always focused on the legally defined categories of crime giving little focus on social deviance acts. Most newscasts mainly consider specific criminal incidents, but others may still include broad coverage of the general state of crime. My research narrows down to homicide cases without giving concern whether the perpetrators were charged or not.
The choice made in newscasts on what to cover and how to cover it influences the people of Canada`s perception of crime. Canada has a relatively low rate of homicide; however, as homicide remains a rare event in every society most of these cases end up getting media coverage with newscast being the means that reach out to many Canadians. The paper tries to disclose how the newscasts influence people`s reactions. It has been observed that, children exposed to violent TV coverage are most likely to commit a crime in the future or even abuse their wives. From this, we can fairly conclude that violent crimes reported in Canadian newscasts influence criminality among the people.
2.0. Methodology
To come up with a good analysis in my paper, I watched newscasts that had a coverage or mention of crime. To make the sample of twenty newscasts, I watched four TV channels, five newscasts from each. The TV channels are CBC, CTV, ABC, and TVA. To organize and record the observations, I came up with a working form. My tabulations were based on the total number of crimes reported in the newscasts of my concern while disregarding the whether the perpetrators were charged or not. My research methodology relied on data collected from Local Canadian TV channels. Analyzing the data would improve the understanding of crime as portrayed by Canadian TV newscasts. The challenge that may erupt in this research may be due to inadequate information from the local Canadian TVs. The project will utilize quantitative and qualitative approach in the analysis of the data that is available in the newscasts.Gathering of information primarily depended on observation technique, watching newscasts and episodes covering homicide cases. I had to meet seven reporters who aired the incidents reported in televisions. This enabled getting first hand information as well as understanding his/her opinions in matters of homicide and how they portray the incidences to the public.My literature review composed of secondary materials from police recorded statements. The statement acted as supportive evidence in my research as I had knowledge of what to expect before indulging in the actual research. Homicide in Canada happens to have some common features; cases of adults reported being higher than that of children, more males are involved either as victims or perpetrators.The methodology focuses to use the scientific method to enhance the relation of ideas and facts obtained during the study. Logical facts will enhance understanding and arguing sociologically as the question requires. Analysis of the work assists in conceptualizing the sociological concept that can be associated with the study.
3.0. Results of the study
The table below simplifies the data obtained from the study.
The table comprises of the characteristics which were researched thorough out the study. This enhances proper understanding pertaining to how local Canadian TVs portray homicide.
Working form of homicides watched on Canadian TVs newscasts.
Race
Blacks
Whites
Others
Unknown
Sex
Male
Female
Unknown
Weapon
Daggers and Knives
Guns
Others
Newscast watched= 20 Incidences recorded (N) =599
Characteristics

Number

Percentages%

Notes

Race




Blacks

295

49.3

Black people commit homicide crimes more than whites

Whites

280

46.8

Whites commit crime of homicide almost similar to blacks although slight percentage difference.

Others

14

2.3

This comprises all other races residing in Canada

Unknown

9

1.5

Very few incidences of crime go unnoticed by the media

Sex




Male

468

78.3

Level of homicide committed by men have been on a decreasing trend

Female

128

21.4

Homicides by female have been increasing over the years

Unknown

12

0.2

Less incidents of homicide go unnoticed due to improvement in security all over the country over the years

Weapon




Knives and Daggers

240

40%

Knife is the most used weapon in homicide

Guns

210

35%

Firearms percentage has been decreasing over the years.

Others

...