ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some foundations for understanding media in society where the crime-media nexus is the focus. It looks at key theories used to understand the role and function of media institutions, and considers why it is stories about crime are overrepresented in both news and fiction. It also examines research that seeks to comprehend the nature and extent of news media reporting and fictional representations of crime, which focus largely on newsworthy or dramatic crime stories and events that occur relatively infrequently in real life. Understanding the nature and role of media in society is important as it can inform us of the effects crime news and dramatizations about crime might have on audiences, and whether for instance media portrayals have criminogenic consequences, such as instilling crime fear across a population, which is then used by politicians and policymakers to justify the implementation of tough ‘law and order’ measures. Recognizing the diversity of media in contemporary society reminds us, however, that with the proliferation of digital technologies, online platforms and social media there are growing opportunities for ordinary citizens to counter these tendencies, as well as intervene more generally in crime and justice processes.
