The Research Of Violent News In Xiamen Business

This paper seeks to examine violent news in city newspapers, more specifically, violent news in the local newspaper Xiamen Business. Xiamen Business from 1999-2008 is used as a study sample. Quantitative methods are employed to analyze and summarize features and existing issues in this newspaper. Furthermore, classic examples of inappropriate violent news reports are presented and commented case by case. Finally, constructive suggestions are proposed for future violent news reports. Several conclusions are made from the analysis of Xiamen Business: 1). Higher quantity of violent news is reported in international news sections. The number is getting higher than reports concerning international politics, finance, and customs; 2). There are stereotypes of disadvantaged group in violent news. Peasant workers and immigrant workers are more likely to be reported as violent defendants; 3). Victims are presented with vague images. A lack of humanistic care is found in reports; 4). Wording in violent news reports tends to be frivolous, not serious, unfriendly, and inconsiderate; 5). Excessive descriptions on details, criminal manners, and anti-social values are reported in violent news; 6). Reports are featured by a lack of respect of journalistic ethics. Unprocessed criminals' images and undressed corpses are frequently shown in pictures. Sincere suggestions are proposed with regard to these problems.This paper is composed of three chapters. The introduction section introduces the research background, related past studies, development of this research topic, contributions, research methods, and theoretical ground. Four theories are stated: Cultivation Theory, Social Learning Theory, Disinhibition, and Catharsis Theory. Chapter two presents complete analytic results of Xiamen Business from 1999-2008, and focuses on the analyses of case studies and corresponding comments. Chapter three proposes suggestions for future violent news reports through journalistic ethics and news business perspectives. The current study contributes to past literature by its quantitative analysis and content analysis of violent news in Xiamen Business.