The reporting of crime and violence in the Los Angeles Times: is there a public health perspective?

J Health Commun. 2001 Apr-Jun;6(2):169-82; discussion 189-92. doi: 10.1080/10810730120636.

Abstract

The authors examine how crime and violence is reported and framed by the Los Angeles Times. Using a public health perspective, we examine whether health-oriented variables, such as causal factors and societal effects of crimes, are present in crime news stories. The classic stereotyping of crime and violence framing is strongly present in the Times. We discuss what changes would be useful to provide news consumers with a more accurate picture of crime in their community.

MeSH terms

  • Bibliometrics*
  • Crime / statistics & numerical data*
  • Los Angeles / epidemiology
  • Mass Media
  • Newspapers as Topic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Public Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Public Opinion
  • Publishing / statistics & numerical data
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*