Threat of Violent Crime Is Exaggerated by the Media (From Violence: Opposing Viewpoints, P 23-29, 1996, David Bender, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-159343)

• NCJ Number: 159345
• Author(s): J Jackson; J Naureckas
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Greenhaven Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Opposing Viewpoints Series

Annotation

Public preoccupation with violent crime has been generated by inaccurate and sensational media coverage; the media have created the impression that violent crime rates have escalated dramatically when in fact they have remained stable.

Abstract

Some media sources rely on Uniform Crime Reports of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while other media sources use data provided by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) through the annual National Crime Victimization Survey. FBI data indicate the violent crime rate has risen by 81 percent since 1973 and has more than quadrupled since 1960. BJA statistics show the violent crime rate has basically been flat since the National Crime Victimization Survey began in 1973. Media coverage of violence based on inaccurate statistics may unduly bias the public. In addition, media coverage does not always address underlying crime causes, such as poverty and lack of employment, and does not necessarily discuss effective solutions to the crime problem.