Framing Fear: An Analysis of the Fear-Based Framing Styles of Serial Homicide News Articles

Abstract

The portrayal of offenders and crime is often viewed through the framing of news stories in traditional media. This shaping of crime to fit preconstructed perspectives can result in the spread of fear-based ideals. This study assesses use of fear-based media framing in serial homicide news articles. Taking a mixed methods approach, results suggest prolific use of fear-based framing methods, with six dominant fear-based themes identified. Fear-based frames of provoking, dehumanizing, magnifying, validating, and sensationalizing fear were found and a new frame, sanctifying fear, was identified. Variability among use of frames by offender characteristics were also assessed.