IELTS Essay # 51 - Some people say that the government should stop TV and newspapers from showing crimes because media coverage of violent crimes is frightening people and encouraging criminals. Do you agree or disagree?

Essay # 51

Some people say that the government should stop TV and newspapers from showing crimes because media coverage of violent crimes is frightening people and encouraging criminals. Do you agree or disagree?

Numerous channels on TV as well as newspapers present a host of news relating to criminal activities. An argument in this regard that is put forward says that such a lot of media coverage actually spreads paranoia among people. This essay shall lay stress on this point further.

It cannot be denied that crime rates have indeed risen in the past few years. Every other day there is some or the other news about robbery, mugging, shooting, rape and other such heinous acts in the city or in the neighbourhood. This information put out on an everyday basis by the newspapers and TV channels, is to primarily make people aware and alert about their surroundings. However, more than being alert, it is observed that people are experiencing an increased sense of paranoia, insecurity and mistrust. Such kind of news makes people feel more frightened and concerned about their own safety and also the safety of their family and friends.

Additionally, some people say such frequent media attention given to criminal activities encourages criminals at some point. Usually the crime is reported to the people with an elaborate story revolving around it, and sometimes the media doesn’t realize the thin difference that should be there between reporting a crime, and glamorizing it. This media-made-criminality is more dangerous, as not only does it spread negativity and fear in the society, but also makes potential criminals actually commit crimes, for the sake of being featured in mass media.

Summing up, I completely agree with the statement in the question. Sure, there is a need for people to know about the anti-social activities of their community, to be cautious, but the way the media representation deviates the actual purpose of reporting crime news is unacceptable and must be controlled or regulated.

(297 words)