Rethinking Media and Crime
The way we talk about crime shapes how we understand justice—and each other. But far too often, media coverage does more harm than good, especially when it comes to young people involved in the justice system.
As part of the project, we conducted in-depth research across Italy, Lithuania, Croatia, and Ukraine, examining how young people in conflict with the law are portrayed in the media. Over 200 participants were surveyed, and more than 20 in-depth interviews were conducted with journalists, criminologists, prison staff, and people with lived experience.
Have a look at our research results below. We’ve summarised the key outcomes and insights in a short video.
Telling Stories Behind Bars: A Practical Guide for Journalists
Every year, thousands of stories are told about people in prisons.
Far fewer are told with them.
This guide is designed to help young journalists explore stories from inside prisons—ethically, creatively, and truthfully—without sensationalism or harm.
Based on original research from Lithuania, Croatia, Ukraine, and Italy, and enriched by practical insights from professionals in journalism, prisons, and restorative justice, this resource offers real-world guidance.
Our goal?
To equip you with the tools and inspiration to tell stories that empower—not exploit.
Online Course: Telling Stories from Prisons – Ethics and Practices
How do we tell stories about crime and incarceration without causing harm? How can journalism support healing and reintegration instead of reinforcing stigma and fear?
These questions are at the heart of our online course, “Telling Stories from Prisons: Ethics and Practices”.
This course invites journalists, media professionals, students, educators, and anyone interested in ethical storytelling to reflect on how media shapes public perception—and how we can do better.
You will explore:
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The power of storytelling to either harm or help people who have experienced incarceration.
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How media sensationalism and bias negatively impact public understanding, justice policies, and the lives of real people.
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The principles of ethical journalism when covering crime and justice—including person-first language, accuracy, privacy, and fairness.
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How to build trusting, respectful relationships with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals when gathering stories.
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Why restorative justice and co-creation are essential for meaningful, human-centered narratives.
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Practical guidance on how to use podcasts as a powerful medium for telling complex and emotional stories with authenticity.
Whether you’ve worked in this space before or are just starting out, this course will help you develop a more thoughtful, effective, and humane approach to storytelling.
“INSIGHT – Initiating New Standards in Journalism: Supporting (formerly) Incarcerated Groups with Honor and Tact” is funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.