In this digital and global climate, media coverage of crime is considered frightening and could motivate offenders. As a result, some people believe it should be removed from TV programs and newspapers. However, I firmly disagree with this view since it has the potential to cause a reduction in the number of crimes, and I acknowledge its role in making individuals more aware of potential dangers.
Firstly, it do not encourage criminals; instead, it could discourage them by showing crimes’ consequences. In addition to broadcasting crimes, media shows its results as well, such as punishments. For instance, in many countries, there are some TV programs that show residents the conditions in courts or sentences that are given to wrongdoers. Consequently, individuals are likely not to commit similar crimes out of concern about facing similar consequences, resulting in fewer number of crimes.
Furthermore, it raises people’s awareness about potential dangers. Watching such news, individuals increase their understanding and experience about the existence of inhumane actions of some people. This is exemplified by a case of the murder in Korea in 2018. A woman, suffering from a mental illness, murdered her English teacher, who was younger than her, in the murdered pedagogue’s own house. As a consequence of this report on TV programs, the state apparatus warned residents about such dangers and individuals became more aware. Admittedly, some people might say, notwithstanding its benefits, it could lead to psychosomatic disorders due to the fear or being stressed about the violently murdered people or potential dangers surrounding them. Nevertheless, I believe that human safety always comes first. Additionally, media usually does not broadcast such cases visually in order to prevent its negative effects to emotionally vulnerable individuals.Therefore, as some people’s beliefs are not strong enough, its advantage of improving awareness outweigh the disadvantages.
In conclusion, since it could lead to less people committing crime and improve individuals’ awareness, the reports of crime should be kept on media. What’s more, I believe some people’s concerns about its terrifying effects or thoughts about it could motivate people to commit a crime are inconvenient
