Differentiation in the representation of Knife crime within different types of newspapers. How i propose to get the producers of the newspapers ideas.

Representation of the growing epidemic of knife crime within London; within newspapers, has been portrayed in several different ways depending on the type of newspaper it is. Based on my research, i have primarily focused on tabloids such as The Sun and it is evident that their representation of news is presented in a biased, exaggerated and generally negative way to create moral panic and keep the readers engaged in their views on the situation, therefore influencing their opinions based on stereotypes, and resulting in the increase of sales of their paper. Although once doing this, i decided to look at other newspapers such as my local paper; the Ilford Recorder, and it was clear that their presentation of the same information that was also publicized in The Sun, was much more factual, to the point, easy to understand and far less exaggerated. Both newspapers target audience are working-class individuals, and it is believed; stereotypically speaking, that they are much more easily influenced by what is presented in front of them, of that from a upper-middle class background; who are generally readers of broadsheet newspapers; which are factual but consist of a much more advanced vocabulary, which may put off working-class people, therefore they are prime targets for moral panic; due to the type of newspapers targeted at them. But in contrast to this, newspapers such as The Recorder make attempts to present news without encouraging moral panic. I have now decided to take my research further and contact both The Sun and The Ilford Recorder, and see if their responses to my query differ in the same way the newspapers do. I propose to structure a letter and it will consist of me asking about the papers views on knife crime, do they think the way their paper represents the information about knife crime influences the readers based on their views, or do they feel that their paper represents the crime the way it is, with justification of their choice; although i fully aware they may not be honest and may use the same techniques they use whilst writing their articles. I also want to include the topic of influencing factors of what knife crime is presented in their newspaper; for example knife crime within domestic violence isn't really seen in the media although it clearly does happen. Also i wish to ask if race is a determining factor of what is publicized and how it is reported on; as it is a big topic of debate, and i wish to see how they view this. Finally, the topic of stereotypes around knife crime shall be raised, and i wish to find out about how they feel about the stereotype of teens and knives, and if their response supports the stereotype.

Once i have structured my letter; i intend to send the same letter to both newspapers, i shall post it on the blog, so you can see what i say...... Feedback is welcome =]!