Prof. Süleyman İrvan: "The issue is not the number of crime news reports but how they are presented!"
Nowadays, the media frequently covers crime news, which has various psychological effects on viewers. Evaluating the place of crime news in the media agenda and its impact on society, Prof. Süleyman İrvan stated that the frequency of crime news can create an effect known as the "mean world syndrome," particularly among television viewers.
Regarding whether reducing the intensity of crime news could increase public trust, Prof. İrvan said that “The solution should not be sought in reducing crime news but in presenting it within ethical principles. The problem lies not in the number of crime news reports but in how they are delivered.”
Prof. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Department of Journalism at Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, evaluated the place of crime news in the media agenda and its impact on society.
Crime news has high news value
Prof. Süleyman İrvan pointed out that the main reason crime news appears in media bulletins is its high news value. He explained that crimes such as theft and murder cause security concerns in society, increasing interest in news. Irvan expressed that “For media organizations, reporting crime news is not a choice but a necessity. However, which incidents are reported and how they are presented are shaped by each media organization’s editorial policies.”
This leads to "mean world syndrome"
Prof. İrvan emphasized that the frequent broadcasting of crime news can lead to an effect known as the "mean world syndrome," particularly among television viewers. He explained that constant exposure to crime reports can make viewers perceive their cities as more dangerous than they actually are.
He also highlighted that this situation reflects in daily life, increasing individuals' feelings of insecurity. Referring to the early 2000s when mugging incidents were frequently reported on television, he noted that people became more cautious and took extra precautions during that period.
Addressing whether the frequent emphasis on crime news creates a culture of fear, Prof. İrvan stated that scientific research is needed to provide a definitive answer on this matter. However, he remarked that “Even if the media does not create a culture of fear, it certainly fuels it.”
Violence-related news can trigger moral outrage
Drawing attention to the fact that frequent coverage of violent incidents can generate "moral outrage" in society, Prof. İrvan noted that cases such as femicides and child abuse cause significant public indignation. Giving the example of the recent murder case of Narin, he pointed out that media interest in such cases often results in faster legal proceedings and harsher sentences for perpetrators.
The solution lies in ethical principles
Regarding whether reducing the intensity of crime news could enhance public trust, Prof. İrvan expressed that “The solution should not be sought in reducing crime news but in presenting it within ethical principles. The problem lies not in the number of crime news reports but in how they are presented. The real issue is sensationalized reporting and the perception of impunity in society. The public expects criminals to be punished fairly and swiftly. Enhancing trust in the judiciary is the responsibility of judicial institutions, not the media.”
Prof. Süleyman İrvan concluded by stating that crime news could increase public concerns about safety; however, the media's role is to provide complete and accurate information within the framework of ethical principles.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)