NCJ Number
243962
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2013 Pages: 755-783
Date Published
October 2013
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This study builds on the homicide and media criminological literature by examining the newsworthiness of 866 homicide incidents that occurred in Newark, NJ between 1997 and 2007.
Abstract
The current study builds on the homicide and media criminological literature by examining the newsworthiness of 866 homicide incidents that occurred in Newark, NJ between 1997 and 2007. Recognizing that indicators of newsworthiness may vary by homicide victim gender and race/ethnicity, this study comparatively assesses the effects of suspect, victim, and incident variables on homicides against female, black, and Hispanic victims. A news media distortion analysis is employed which matches specific homicides to their respective local print news coverage. Overall, offense seriousness and victim vulnerability increase the odds of homicides receiving news media attention and being displayed prominently. The study also found that different homicide characteristics serve as indicators of newsworthiness depending on victim gender and race/ethnicity. The authors discuss how cultural stereotypes may shape evaluations of newsworthiness and conclude with implications for theory and future research directions. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.