ABSTRACT:
Since time immemorial media has dominated a considerable portion of our lives. Before the advent of modern technology, media, even though at its nascent stage, had been the news-provider to the masses. Where once news used to travel by ship, it now hurtles across the globe at light speed and is available 24 hours-a-day at the push of a button. The media modifies our thinking regarding politics, the economy, investments, what is ‘in’ and definitely what’s not ‘in’. But reporting of crime significantly alters the society’s views and outlook so much so that we are almost forced to form certain judgements on the crime, the criminal and the victims which more often than not are incorrect. Today’s society is fascinated with crime and justice. It is an age in which high crime rates and high levels of concern about the crime have become accepted as ‘normal’. From films, books, newspapers, magazines, television broadcasts, to everyday conversations, we are constantly engaging in crime "talk". The mass media play an important role in the construction of criminality and the criminal justice system. The public’s perception of victims, criminals, deviants, and law enforcement officials is largely determined by their portrayal in the mass media. Research indicates that the majority of public knowledge about crime and justice is derived from the media. Therefore, it is imperative to examine the effects that the mass media have on attitudes toward crime and justice. The media also influences audience perceptions of police effectiveness.