The nature of crime means that journalists who cover it need to be skilled in balancing the public’s right to know with ethical considerations, ensuring accuracy, fairness and sensitivity while avoiding sensationalism or prejudice. It also requires excellent contacts so that reporters can be given access to sources and locations without risking themselves.
Background crime stories, or features, are a useful way to add interest for audiences between news updates and while waiting for further developments in ongoing cases. These can include features on topics such as why burglaries happen in certain weather; what psychologists think makes a person more likely to be a victim of a robbery or murder; or how to avoid becoming a target of criminals in your neighbourhood.
The majority of Americans say they see local crime news at least weekly. They are particularly interested in property crime (37%), drug-related crime (33%) and violent crime (23%). Less than half see local news about white-collar crime or political corruption. Those who live in urban areas are more likely to see crime news than those in suburban or rural areas. Black Americans are more likely to see local crime news than white or Asian American adults.
Those who consume crime news are generally satisfied with the quality of their local media representation. However, just a third of those who consume crime news say they’re extremely or very satisfied with the overall quality of the information they receive.