Patterns of deviance in crime news

Author(s): Hughes, K. D.

Journal/Book: J Commun. 1997; 47: Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513. Oxford Univ Press Inc. 49-67.

Abstract: Existing research has failed to develop a satisfactory theoretical explanation for journalists' decisions about which crimes to highlight and which to ignore. We proposed that four forms of deviance (normative deviance, statistical deviance status deviance, and cultural deviance) account for much of the variation in decisions about crime news. To test deviance-based explanations for crime news, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of Milwaukee, WI, homicides and how two newspapers covered them. We used content analysis and interviews with journalists. The results showed that the newsworthiness of a homicide is enhanced when Whites are suspects or victims, males are suspects, and victims are females, children, or senior citizens. We concluded that status deviance and cultural deviance are important components of newsworthiness and that statistical deviance (unusualness) may be much less important than commonly assumed.

Note: Article Pritchard D, Univ Wisconsin, Dept Mass Commun, Milwaukee,WI 53201 USA

Keyword(s): NEWSPAPERS; HOMICIDE; PROSECUTORS; TELEVISION; JUSTICE; EVENTS; STATES

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