Perception Of Televised Crime News Among Milimani Residents Of Nakuru Town

Abstract

Television newscasts relay crime stories with descriptions and vivid images, which often set the agenda for audience by priming and framing various crime topics. In the process, this influences audience with what to think about because of the diverse emotions they evoke. There has been very little research documented about the influence of televised crime news on audience perception of crime in Kenya. The objectives of this study were to: (a) establish the prevalent televised crime news themes in Kenya (b) determine audience perception of televised crime news (c) determine how televised news representation influences audience perception of crime and (d) analyse audience responses to crime news perceptions. This study was guided by two media effects theories: McCombs and Shaw’s Agenda Setting Theory; Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory. Qualitative research design was used and the researcher relied on social constructivism for data analysis. The population of this study was an estimated 2, 451, that comprised people of different backgrounds and occupations residing, studying or working within Milimani estate, in Nakuru Town East. Two sampling techniques were used. First, non-probability purposive sampling, which enabled the researcher to judge and envision a representation from the different categories of the Milimani population, was used. Secondly, snowball sampling was used to access participants in the specific sample categories. The study sample was 30 participants, which is within the recommended sample size for a qualitative study. Data was collected using in-depth interviewing technique. The tools used were pre-planned interview guide questions derived from the study objectives. The interview data was recorded and transcribed. Data from interview transcriptions were coded before interpretation. Results indicate that various crime topics were perceived to be commonly televised in news although these topics were not given attention by different audiences homogeneously. Different audiences perceived use of common strategies in televised news to prime crime topics such as emphasis, repetition, special features, explanations prominence, time allocated, persistence, negative language, bias and specialized reporters. All participants indicated that the same crime topics were framed and represented by use of varied features that include giving leads to key issues, focusing on specific words, providing vivid images, using specialized phrases, focusing on minute details, providing interpretations, evaluating happenings, judging happenings and using unique style like emotional attachments. The results obtained contribute to designing practical implementation strategies of media policies and ethics in the journalists’ selection of crime news items, facilitate deeper understanding of the influence of priming, framing and interpretation of crime news topics against the backdrop of professional responsibility as enshrined in the existing media law and ethics.