News Media Attacked Over Crime Reports (Press, 13 August 1970)

On 12 August 1970, Mr J. H. C. Larsen, a lecturer in law at Victoria University of Wellington and the Crown solicitor for Wellington, delivered a critique on the media's role in crime reporting and the ongoing demands for the liberalisation of laws surrounding abortion and homosexuality. He addressed his concerns to the Wellington Justices of the Peace Association. Larsen highlighted a significant mass killing in the United States and noted the extensive publicity surrounding such heinous crimes. He suggested that this attention could potentially spur copycat incidents, as exemplified by subsequent shootings at American universities and another tragic event in a Chicago nurses’ home. He pondered whether the media's extensive coverage played a role in these later tragedies, hinting at a pattern where one horrific event could inspire others. He also referenced recent prison riots in Auckland, which occurred following similar disturbances in both Australia and Boston. Despite acknowledging the lack of definitive causation, he raised questions about whether the media's portrayal of these riots could contribute to a chain reaction. Larsen further pointed out a concerning trend of politically motivated demonstrations and riots among students across the globe, asserting that the simultaneous emergence of these actions might be partially attributable to the media's influence. In another critical observation, he spoke about the media coverage of drug use, violent crimes, and issues related to homosexuality. He posited that when drug use is portrayed as a trendy lifestyle in the United States or Europe, it could encourage similar behaviours in New Zealand's youth, particularly among those who are more impressionable or vulnerable. Larsen argued that consumption of media, which frequently highlights large gatherings where drugs and sexual expression are involved, could serve as a powerful influencer on public perception and behaviour. He expressed concern over the voices advocating for legal reform regarding homosexuality and abortion, suggesting that individuals, including respected members of the community such as university professors and psychiatrists, could unintentionally endorse law-breaking by declaring certain laws to be outdated or bad. Such messages could lead the public to question the morality of adhering to existing laws. In summary, Larsen's remarks warned of the profound impact media can have on societal behaviour regarding crime and legal reform, particularly in shaping the perspectives of those who might be swayed by popular opinion. His comments reflect a growing apprehension about the relationship between media representation and public actions in the sociopolitical landscape of the time.

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