Date of Graduation
Fall 2025
Degree
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Department
School of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Committee Chair
William Sandel
Abstract
The study examines the predictors of a high rate of media coverage for active shooter incidents in the United States using a sample of 100 incidents drawn from the ALERRT active shooter database spanning 2000 to 2023. The research evaluates the independent variables, including incident severity measured by casualties, location type, the most powerful weapon used, resolution of incident, and regional zones. The news reports were retrieved from LexisNexis, examining the initial wave of news coverage within a year of the date of the incident. Results of the multiple linear regression indicate that the total number of individuals killed is the most significant predictor of high levels of media coverage. Additionally, incidents in which offenders fled garnered more media reports when compared to active shooter incidents that resolved in the suicide of the offender, which could be linked to law enforcement using the media as a tool to assist apprehension. In conclusion, the findings contribute to the overall understanding of the characteristics of active shooter events that shape media framing and public perception of the prevalence of active shooter incidents.
Keywords
active shooter, mass shooting, media coverage, media trends, public perception
Subject Categories
Criminology | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Mass Communication | Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation | Public Policy
Copyright
© Chloe E. Reed
Recommended Citation
Reed, Chloe E., "Addressing the Impact of Media Coverage on Public Perception of Active Shooter Incidents" (2025). Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 4113.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/4113
Open Access
Included in
Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Public Policy Commons
