| The purpose of the mass news media is to inform individuals and society of important issues and events of the day. This coverage is influenced by the reporter's background, experience, time constraints, and a host of other factors. The way a reporter chooses to cover a particular story gives the story its slant or frame. Examining a cross section of media outlets from around the country gives a more complete picture of how a story is presented to society as a whole. Media coverage of hip-hop culture and the artists associated with it on a national level has been decidedly negative over the past twelve years. From the first rap/hip-hop Grammy win of Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince through the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B. I. G. up to Eminem's nomination for Album of the Year for 2000, hip-hop is framed as "bad boy" music produced mainly by derelicts and criminals. This study examines these frames and analyzes the causes leading to such framing. |
