NCJ Number
205733
Date Published
June 2002
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether Canadian media coverage of organized crime related events influenced public opinion and if so, how.
Abstract
The Canadian public is exposed to extensive media coverage of organized crime related events. The media is one source of information that people count on to mould their opinion of the world around them, and with respect to crime, the media is believed to be a primary source of information. Given the extensive organized crime media coverage in Canada and the role it plays as a possible source of public information, answering the question of whether media coverage of organized crime related events influences pubic opinion becomes imperative. This study first reviewed the various scientific articles, studies, and analyses that dealt specifically with organized crime media coverage and public opinion; then, considered what reporters themselves had to say about organized crime media coverage through public opinion articles released in the past few months. Lastly, interviews were conducted with some Canadian reporters who covered organized crime stories to obtain their views on the matter. The study attempted to provide an overview of available information regarding organized media coverage and its possible impact on public opinion. Although the media are capable of playing a major role in conveying information to the public, it was difficult to find any scientific study dealing with media coverage of organized crime related events. Little has been written about the impact of organized crime media coverage on public opinion in editorials and opinion articles in Canada. However, problem-related analyses published in the media clearly show that the death of innocent victims at the hands of bikers, and especially the shooting of a known crime reporter have led to extensive media coverage of the issue, in the process awakening public opinion and leading to the implementation of harsher crime-fighting policies. The information compiled in the course of this study leads one to believe that in some circumstances, media coverage of organized crime related events can influence public opinion. In the absence of any scientific studies dealing specifically with organized crime media coverage, and considering the high-ranking position of organized crime in the information media, it is believed that additional research should be done in determining if organized crime coverage influences public opinion. References