Crime Watch– a summary of the article (media magazine article 39 February 2012)
In this article Sara Mills reflects on the shows ‘Crime Watch’ and its audience participation and why this is so appealing.
The crime watch is one of the most interactive shows there has been due to the fact that the audience is able to help solve high-profile crimes by speaking to police officers and giving potentially vital information that could crack the case. Putting the audience at the heart of the show is something unique to the show, rewarding audiences that contribute with live updates and news of how the cases have developed due to this.
The shows appeal lies in the chance to help others from the comfort if your home, giving people the opportunity to make social change and feel like they have some control with the chaos that is crime (fills our need of importance)
The shows had been running since 1984 as a regular monthly show. It had dealt with around 4000 cases and is considered largely responsible for helping solve over 50 murders, over 50 rapes and sexual assaults and almost 20 cases of pedophile attacks.
However, it has been questioned whether the show adds to the fear of crime or gives people reassurance as it provided a mean of dealing with it. There are more women that watch crime watch than men and this has many suggested reasons. For example, the increased fear of crimes may cause an increased interest in order to manage the fear as they can participate in enforcing the law. Second is the stereotype that women care more about community and safety issues. The third is that it is a hybrid genre that mixes documentary, magazine shows and drama, meaning the shows sensationalised its issues.
The main audience demographic C/D which suggests that those from the group are more likely to be worried about crime which is perhaps justifiable. However it can be argues that watching the show may make crime seem more common than it actually is which relates to Dyer’s theory; media can create a problem whilst also providing solutions to the fears it causes.
Richard Dyer’s utopian solutions suggests that media products can sell by offering a solution to problems in the world and people’s lives. It can be divided into:
Transparency – need to know what goes on in places we wouldn’t usually have access to. In this case it is the inside story on crimes
Energy – promised that the police will not give up and keep on working, even when we stop watching
Intensity – provided by emotional drama of the vulnerable people’s suffering. The back story technique helps the audience to identify with the victims
Community – audience told how important they are, making them feel like part of the team fighting crime
Abundance – on crime watch the recourses for policing are abundant and the police are focused and tirelessly working on cases. This shows that it is endorsing the way the police work due to its positive representation of the force.
Crimewatch, however, is informative rather than sensationalists with respects to victims and their families as it is a BBC show and has a remit to inform, educate and entertain. The American equivalent, ‘America’s Most Wanted’ which started in 1988 has a more commercial approach using snappy titles and selling merchandise which reflect the values of its institution.
A-Level Theory Book -guide to revision
For a homework task we had to search in our new theory books for a new and interesting fact. I decided to read about Todorov's three act narrative and how it is applied to print media in the form of celebrity interviews. The victim to hero progression is often used here which outlines revelations of personal crisis such as drug addiction/divorce and a subsequent search for repair and success. This keeps audiences entertained whilst creating relatability for the star.
Shelter YouTube - Children In Temporary Accommodation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAKYKeRd8MA
This video shows the perspective of a child living in temporary accommodation. The innocence of children evokes sympathy and makes people want to give to the cause. The tours show just how unsuitable the living conditions are for anyone to endure, especially young people as it explains the daily struggles they must face in daily life. The children directly address the audience, encouraging donations as people will feel as if they are their only hope - which for most struggling with temporary accommodation is true.
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