Analyzing the Relationship Between Crime News Source and Fear of Crime

• In Event: The Role of the Media in Perceptions of Risk and Fear of Crime

Abstract

News media consumption has changed dramatically in the past 20 years, shifting from traditional mediums such as television and newspaper into online spaces and communal platforms. Non-traditional crime news sources, including social media pages and phone app notifications, have proliferated. Despite a modest body of literature exploring the relationship between media consumption and fear of crime, relationships are somewhat inconclusive and only a few recent studies have examined social networking platforms or other new media. This paper will use data from the Safe and Fit Environments (SAFE) survey, a novel instrument created by public health and criminology experts with validated measures in a multilevel conceptual framework that was administered in four U.S. metropolitan regions. The SAFE survey is unique in its comprehensive index of crime news sources, coupled with its geographic coverage. The paper will describe differences in crime news consumption by age and geographic region, and use regression analysis to assess the relationship among modes of new consumption, risk perception and fear, while controlling for important demographic characteristics. Implications of the findings will be discussed along with next steps for research.

Authors

• Kate Kelly, Temple University

• Caterina Roman, Temple University

• Terry L. Conway, University of California, San Diego

• James F. Sallis, University of California, San Diego

• Christina Patch, University of California, San Diego

• Kelli L. Cain, University of California, San Diego

• Ralph B. Taylor, Temple University