Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan: 'The problem is not the number of crime reports, but the way they are presented'

Crime reports frequently featured in the media create different psychological effects on society. Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, Department of Journalism Chair Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan evaluated the place of crime news on the media agenda and its effects on society. İrvan stated that completely removing or reducing crime reports would not be a solution, and that the main problem is the way the news is presented.

Highlights from the statements of Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, Department of Journalism Chair Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan are as follows: 

''THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE NUMBER OF CRIME REPORTS, BUT THE WAY THEY ARE DELIVERED!''

Today, the media frequently features crime reports. This situation creates various psychological effects on viewers. Evaluating the place of crime reports on the media agenda and their effects on society, Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that the frequency of crime reports can create an effect known as "mean world syndrome," especially on television viewers.

Regarding whether reducing the intensity of crime reports would increase social trust, Prof. Dr. İrvan said, “We should not look for the solution in reducing crime reports, but in presenting them within the framework of ethical principles. It is not the number of crime reports that creates a problem, but the way they are delivered.” 

Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, Department of Journalism Chair Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan evaluated the place of crime reports on the media agenda and their effects on society.

CRIME REPORTS HAVE HIGH NEWS VALUE 

Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan stated that the main reason crime reports are included in media bulletins is their high news value. Expressing that criminal incidents such as theft and murder lead to security concerns in society and that this increases interest in the news, Prof. Dr. İrvan said, "For media organizations, reporting on crime is not a preference, but a necessity. However, which incidents are reported and how they are delivered is shaped according to the editorial policies of each media organization.”

LEADS TO "MEAN WORLD SYNDROME"

Stating that the frequency of crime reports can create an effect known as "mean world syndrome," especially on television viewers, Prof. Dr. İrvan said that viewers who are constantly exposed to crime news may perceive the cities they live in as more dangerous than they actually are.

Emphasizing that this situation also reflects on daily life and causes an increase in individuals' feelings of insecurity, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that during the 2000s, when snatch-theft reports were constantly broadcast on television, people began to be more careful and cautious.

Regarding whether the constant prominence of crime reports creates a culture of fear, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that scientific research needs to be conducted to give a definitive answer on this subject, adding, “Even if the media does not create a culture of fear, it will feed it.”

VIOLENCE REPORTS CAN CREATE MORAL OUTRAGE 

Pointing out that the frequent display of news containing violence can create "moral outrage" in society, Prof. Dr. İrvan said that incidents such as femicides and child abuse cause public outcry. Giving the example of the Narin murder that took place a few months ago, Prof. Dr. İrvan stated that the interest shown by the media in such incidents leads to cases being concluded faster and harsher penalties being given to criminals.

WE MUST SEEK THE SOLUTION IN ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

Regarding whether reducing the intensity of crime reports would increase social trust, Prof. Dr. İrvan said, “We should not look for the solution in reducing crime reports, but in presenting them within the framework of ethical principles. It is not the number of crime reports that creates a problem, but the way they are delivered. The problem is that the news is presented in a sensational way and the perception of impunity is formed in society. Society expects criminals to be punished fairly and quickly. The responsibility for increasing trust in the judiciary falls not on the media, but on judicial institutions.”

Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan added that while crime reports can increase social security concerns, the role of the media is to inform the public fully and accurately within the framework of ethical principles.