NCJ Number
157222
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study of hate crime coverage tests the theory that the news media represent a societal mirror, objectively reflecting rather than subjectively distorting events.
Abstract
The research updates a 1990 study of Chicago print media coverage of interracial crime. Data were obtained on hate crimes reported in Chicago between January and November 1993. Results showed that actual hate crime patterns were significantly different from their mediated portrayal. Hate crimes were rarely newsworthy, even though serious interracial incidents remained commonplace. Hate crime cases covered by the media were not representative of the most prevalent forms of such crimes. It was also found that press attention shifted from city to suburban hate crimes and from minority to white offenders in suburban cases. Possible explanations for the study findings are offered. 10 endnotes and 5 tables