Murder reporting in local newspapers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to see the manner in which journalists report a murder. It highlights how murder is and should be reported. The main points of researchers in the field are presented. The rules which journalists are asked to abide by are also outlined. The study examines the past and current situation on the Republic of Malta with regards to murder reporting. It compares the current situation with the past and highlights the areas in which murder reporting might have either improved or regressed. For the purpose of this study, intensive interviews were conducted. A content analysis was completed and a focus group was also held to see how journalists worked and coped on one particular murder case. A detailed discussion of the results and analysis of the content analysis is presented together with data regarding the manner in which murders are reported in newspapers. It also highlights how journalists work in this field and the criteria used to make decisions. The final chapter presents a summary of the results together with suggestions for other studies that can be conducted in relation to murder reporting and journalism. It also presents suggestions for the improvement of murder reporting.