Date of Award
January 2019
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
Master Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Justice Studies
First Advisor
Kevin I. Minor
Department Affiliation
Justice Studies
Second Advisor
Kristie R. Blevins
Department Affiliation
Justice Studies
Third Advisor
Scott A. Hunt
Department Affiliation
Justice Studies
Abstract
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.
Copyright
Copyright 2019 April Nicole Pace
Recommended Citation
Pace, April Nicole, "Serial killers in popular media: A content analysis of sensationalism and support for capital punishment" (2019). Online Theses and Dissertations. 637.
https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/637
