Journal of Human Trafficking
Volume 4, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 6-20

News Reporting on Human Trafficking: Exploratory Qualitative Interviews with Illinois News Journalists (Article)

Reichert J.* , Houston-Kolnik J. , Vasquez A.L. , Peterson E.
  • a Center for Justice Research and Evaluation, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Chicago, IL, United States
  • b Center for Victim Studies, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Chicago, IL, United States
  • c Center for Victim Studies, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Chicago, IL, United States
  • d Center for Justice Research and Evaluation, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Chicago, IL, United States

Abstract

Media—in particular news coverage—contribute toward shaping public understanding and opinion on societal issues, and influence policies, programs, and legislative action. While a small number of previous studies have explored journalists’ reporting on other social issues, very little is known about their perceptions and knowledge of human trafficking. In this exploratory study, researchers conducted 12 qualitative interviews with Illinois newspaper reporters to examine their understanding and work process in covering human trafficking. The results suggest that while many reporters understand the federal definition of trafficking, there remain gaps in knowledge about the complexity of the issue. Furthermore, the work process that reporters follow to report on human trafficking differs by their particular role and level of experience, with investigative stories on human trafficking being covered by more seasoned reporters who have the time and space to explore the issue in greater depth. The study findings highlight the importance of, and constraints upon, comprehensive news coverage on human trafficking. © 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

newspaper sex trafficking Human trafficking reporter journalist

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063753720&doi=10.1080%2f23322705.2018.1423443&partnerID=40&md5=80e9fba5d284227137c5ee43902f7417
DOI: 10.1080/23322705.2018.1423443
ISSN: 23322705
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English