Bill > A00963

This bill establishes the New York State Violence in Mass Media Research Program within the Firearm Violence Research Institute, with the primary goal of studying and understanding the potential impacts of media reporting on violent crimes. The program will advise government agencies, the governor, and legislature on how media coverage might unintentionally glorify violent crimes, potentially encouraging copycat incidents or prejudicing jurors. Key objectives include conducting collaborative research on mass media's reporting of violent crimes, identifying research priorities, promoting awareness of expert findings, organizing meetings, and creating networks of experts. The program will investigate various aspects such as media reporting practices, the display of perpetrator information, individual and societal consequences of irresponsible reporting, and the potential contribution of media coverage to racial profiling and stereotyping. The research will focus on preventing and treating mass public violence and understanding how media reporting might impact public perception and legal proceedings. The program will be funded through the Firearm Violence Research Fund and will provide research publications to the legislature and contributing agencies, while also offering training opportunities for researchers at various career stages, including students, journalists, and experts in related fields.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A963