A Content Analysis of Media Coverage of School Shootings

• In Event: Mass Shootings and the Media

Abstract

Prior research on media coverage of school shootings has revealed several themes: 1. The offender didn't seem like a killer; 2. It can't happen here; 3. Warning signs were ignored. In the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School, the conversation seems to have taken a different tone. This paper will conduct a content analysis of media coverage of school shootings, looking at traditional newspaper coverage as well as social media coverage.

Authors

• Charlynette Robles, Fisher College

• Taylor Weatherwax, Fisher College

• Taylor Rowley, Fisher College

• Meridith Spencer, Fisher College