Media Consumption, Perceptions of Crime Risk and Fear of Crime: Examining Race/Ethnic Differences

This study compares the impact of multiple forms of crime-related media across white, Latino, and African American respondents on their perception of crime risk in their neighborhoods and fear of crime, using a state-wide survey of 3,712 Californians. The findings indicate some difference in the impact of crime-related media by different media forms and across race/ethnic groups. Consumption of local television news significantly elevated perceptions of risk and fear of crime for all groups. Crime-based reality programs produced equivalent fear, but the effects of newspaper and crime drama consumption were more variable. Realistic television content about crime was most influential on viewers' perceptions of and responses to crime than fictional accounts or newspapers.