What does the word safety mean to you? What personally makes you feel safe or unsafe? How does this compare with what is reflected in the media?
Crime vs. HarmStory Selection
Discussion Question
Is crime a serious issue in your community? Why do you believe this? How does the media inform your perception of crime where you live?
Crime vs. HarmStory Selection
Discussion Question
What do you believe is the biggest public safety issue facing your community? Do you believe it gets sufficient news coverage? Why or why not?
Crime vs. HarmStory Selection
Discussion Question
What is the purpose of reporting on crime and safety issues? What do readers/viewers need to know? Who decides?
Crime vs. HarmStory Selection
Discussion Question
Why do you believe crimes such as tax evasion, wage theft, and violations of environmental law do not receive as much coverage as index crimes like robbery and shoplifting?
Crime vs. HarmStory Selection
Discussion Question
Issues like workplace safety, enviornmental conditions, and housing are not often covered in crime and public safety beats. How can crime reporters effectively pitch stories about these issues to their editors?
Arrests and AllegationsCausal ClaimsCrime vs. HarmPolice StatementsSensationalism and AnecdotesSource PerspectivesSourcingStory SelectionVerificationPractice change
How can reporting on arrests or allegations potentially influence a case or investigation?
Arrests and AllegationsStory Selection
Discussion Question
How does reporting on arrests impact how the public perceives certain crimes? Groups of people? Communities?
Arrests and AllegationsStory Selection
Discussion Question
What steps can journalists take to ensure that reporting on a criminal case will not have an undesired impact on an individual’s life?
Arrests and AllegationsStory Selection
Discussion Question
Why is it important to follow a case from beginning to end? What are the benefits of this? What are the dangers if a journalist chooses to only report on the arrest or the allegation?