Bill > S02148

This bill establishes the New York State Violence in Mass Media Research Program within the Firearm Violence Research Institute, aimed at studying the effects of mass media reporting on violent crimes. The program's comprehensive goals include advising government officials on how media reporting might unintentionally glorify violent crimes, encourage copycat crimes, or create negative stereotypes; conducting collaborative research on mass media's impact on violent crime reporting; increasing understanding of media's role in violence; identifying research priorities; promoting awareness of expert findings; organizing meetings on firearm violence topics; creating networks of collaborative experts; raising sensitivity to firearm violence concerns; working with policymakers to develop prevention strategies; recruiting and training new researchers from diverse backgrounds like journalism, law, and academia; and providing research publications to relevant agencies. Specifically, the research will examine the nature of media violence reporting, including how perpetrators and crime scenes are portrayed, the individual and societal consequences of irresponsible reporting, methods for preventing mass public violence, and how media reporting might contribute to racial profiling or stereotyping. The program will be funded through the existing Firearm Violence Research Fund, with the goal of producing actionable insights to mitigate potential negative effects of media coverage on violent crimes.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2148