Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2003

Publication Title

Studies in Media & Information Literacy Education (SIMILE)

Volume

3

Issue

4

First Page

1

Last Page

10

Abstract

Viewers of local television newscasts across the United States are regularly exposed to crime news stories. Crime coverage by local television stations is studied with an interest in how live reporting, dramatic video, and timeliness influence perceptions of race in the United States. Crime coverage did not always identify the race of a suspect because that information often was not available from police. However, when violent criminals or suspects were identified, race normally was shown through a mug shot, photograph, or video from the scene. When an African-American suspect was shown in police custody, the images tended to reinforce existing racial stereotypes about African-Americans as dangerous criminals.

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