Serial killers in popular media: A content analysis of sensationalism and support for capital punishment

<p>Serial murder has been a popular media phenomenon across the United States since the 1980s, and media representations of serial killers may significantly influence public opinion as well as impact capital punishment policies. This content analysis examined the portrayal of one dozen different serial killers using 120 online media reports which included articles published between the 1970s to present day. Results of the analysis showed serial killers were often sensationalized and portrayed in biased ways by popular media, with little attention afforded to academic theories. Support for capital punishment was also prevalent. These findings have implications for policy makers seeking to abolish capital punishment as well as law enforcement who may overlook killers that do not fit popular media stereotypes. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Justice Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2019

Author dc:creator

• Pace, April Nicole

• Criminology and Criminal Justice

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2019 April Nicole Pace

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/637

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1635