Crime in media: Good or evil?

Crime in media: Good or evil?

Introduction

Let us start with a simple question - How do people come to know about the crimes taking place in other regions? Well, like the question the answer is simple too. Media helps us a lot by keeping us updated about criminal activities through various means like television, films, newspapers, etc. Crime shows aired on television attract a lot of viewers.

For example, Crime Patrol, which started in 2003, gained a lot of popularity. It continues to maintain a high TRP (Target Rating Point) rate even today. The nature and style of the anchors also play a great part behind the success of the shows. Apart from these shows, films from the crime genre have also taken a prominent place in the media.

Print media is also a sharp shooter of crime news since decades. For example, the Nirbhaya case (Delhi gang rape) covered the front page of almost every newspaper.

A lot of criminal activities have made their way into our society and, hence, crime shows are thriving. So, is portraying crime in media a good thing or a bad thing for the society?

Good, as they increase the awareness -

Factual information – Usually crime shows provide information based on facts and, thus, keep us abreast about the crime areas in different cities.

Source of entertainment – People love to watch crime shows not only because they provide information but also because they provide thrills to the viewers. Crime in films usually include action stunts which attract the youngsters.

Provide justice – Many crime shows portray real crime incidents. In some cases they help in providing justice to the victims and their family. For example, the Jessica Lal murder case.

Bravery – Crime shows aim at making the public brave and motivate them to raise their voice against crime.

Creating awareness – Crime shows make the viewers aware of the places that carry high rates of crime. Such shows and films help the viewers take precautions. For example, after the coverage of the Nirbhaya case, women have become much more cautious while stepping out of their homes.

Bad, they instill fear and affect relationships -

Affect minds– Crime shows in media influence the minds of people. They may encourage them to imitate such crimes. It can affect them in a negative way.

Affect relationships– Portrayal of a negative attitude towards the elders are a part of the crime shows. Youngsters may tend to adopt this negative attitude which might affect the relationships within a family and in the society.

Injustice – It is true that crime shows portray real incidents but at times they fail to provide justice to the victims. They only aim at making profit rather than providing justice.

Instill fear – In today's world most of the parents belong to the working class. Crime shows are being watched even by the kids. This instills a sort of fear in the minds of the parents as they are unable to keep an eye on the kids most of the time. Also, the parents of the youngsters staying away from home are always apprehensive about their kids' whereabouts.

Misguide – At times, crime shows or films misguide the viewers by not providing the accurate information. To increase their profits, they try all the means to attract more and more viewers.

Conclusion

Violence and crime have become integral parts of our society. Portrayal of crime shows in media can have both positive as well as negative effects. It can have a negative impact especially on the kids. But, on the other hand, crime shows and films can save us from becoming victims ourselves by imparting knowledge in the field of crime and violence.