As part of the INSIGHT project—Initiating New Standards in Journalism: Supporting (formerly) Incarcerated Groups with Honor and Tact—we carried out in-depth research in four countries: Italy, Croatia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. This transnational effort aimed to better understand how the media portrays crime and incarceration, and how these portrayals influence public attitudes, policies, and reintegration outcomes.
The research included qualitative interviews, media content analysis, and surveys among journalists, civil society actors, and young (ex-)convicts. While each country has its own unique social and political context, several key themes emerged:
Key Findings:
1. Stereotypes Still Dominate
Across all four countries, media narratives often frame incarcerated individuals—especially youth—in stigmatizing or overly simplistic ways. Headlines focus on crime, not context, contributing to public fear and resistance to rehabilitation.
2. Lack of Ethical Guidelines
Journalists in all countries reported a need for more structured ethical frameworks when covering criminal justice topics. There’s a shared concern over sensationalism and pressure from editors to prioritize engagement over integrity.
3. Low Media Literacy Among Youth
Young people—particularly in vulnerable communities—often struggle to critically assess the media they consume. In Ukraine and Lithuania, for instance, misinformation and stigma can deeply shape young people’s views on justice and reintegration.
What This Means
This research confirms the urgent need for initiatives like INSIGHT, which foster ethical journalism, challenge stereotypes, and support media’s role in social reintegration. By connecting practitioners across countries, we create a space for mutual learning, deeper empathy, and shared strategies for change.
“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.