The Influence of Presumed Media Influence on Agents of the Criminal Justice System.

While most studies of media perceptions focus on the way they affect the general public, little research deals with the way media perceptions influence those who are depicted by the coverage. This focus is extremely important especially in cases in which the depicted groups hold power positions in society thus the media impact on them and can affect their public conduct. The present study centers on agents of the criminal justice system (CJS) in Israel who are regularly subjected to media coverage and scrutiny. It examines the perceived coverage of the CJS in the eye of its agents and explores whether and in what way these perceptions influence the agents. Focus groups and in-depth personal interviews were conducted with judges, prosecutors and police officers. It was found that all agents perceived the media as negatively biased against them and that these perceptions affect them personally and professionally. It was found that coverage perceived as hostile increases the agents' willingness to engage the news-making process and motivates them to be a part of it. Social and legal implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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