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Abstract

The nature of this study is to investigate the representation of celebrity murder cases in media. This was conducted by analysing whether the media influenced the public’s perception of O. J. Simpson and Oscar Pistorius during their trials and the resulting effects it had on jury decisions. After defining and providing background information on tabloid culture, this dissertation will examine interviews with an expert witness for the defence team on the Pistorius trial, as well as a journalist who reported on the case, to argue that the media did have an influence on the public's perception of Oscar Pistorius. Scholarly articles also suggest that the media had an influence on the perception of O. J. Simpson. Although some factors caused disparities between the strategies used within both trials, the two celebrity trials were managed in a similar way due to their status and wealth, amongst other elements. Pistorius’ disability was used as a key attribute by the media to influence the public's perception of him, whilst Simpson’s race was used to portray him as a racial victim to help his trial succeed.

Course: Media Studies - BA (Hons) - C1346

Date Deposited: 2020-10-28

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13594.html