Study: Breaking news coverage of shootings is dehumanizing
Traditional breaking news media coverage of gun violence can dehumanize victims, according to a new research study out of Temple University Hospital.
- The first-of-its-kind report involved interviews with firearm-injured patients in one of the busiest trauma centers for shooting victims in Philadelphia. One said coverage made her feel “like I’m a nobody.”
What should news look like instead? The study suggests thematic reporting that identifies broken policies and institutions, Ben Seal reports for Billy Penn.
Making the Rocky statue into ‘a destination for the world’
How’d the Rocky statue end up at the bottom of the Art Museum steps? With a lot of debate.
- After the museum declined to keep it at the top of the steps, Stallone’s lifesize bronze prop bounced around amid controversy over what it represented, and where it really belonged.
The move to return it to the Parkway was sparked by a Daily News op-ed that went viral (at least, in 1996 terms). Here’s how the story unfolded.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Three years after piloting face-scanning at a few international gates, PHL Airport is installing biometric ID tech for all non-U.S. citizens boarding departing flights. [BP 2020/Technically]
- SEPTA is in the middle of a restoration project that would bring historic 1940s trolleys back to service along Girard Avenue. [CBS3]
- West Philly’s beloved Clark Park is getting a redesign. The process has just started, with designs being vetted by the neighborhood. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly/West Philly Local]
- West Philly native Quinta Brunson won a Golden Globe for her performance in “Abbott Elementary,” following a supporting actor win by co-star Tyler James Williams. “Let’s be real, I did imagine this,” Brunson said. [People/BP/@meag_darwish]
- Sunday was the first time Eagles (and singing) star Jordan Mailata’s family got to see him play in the NFL, traveling to Philly from their native Samoa. [Eagles]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- The Temple Health study about the harm of gun violence reporting is the first paper led by Jessica Beard since she joined PCGVR as director of research. In it you can read more first-hand reactions from people recovering from being shot. [Billy Penn/PCGVR/ScienceDirect]
- Philly’s MLK Day of Service at Girard College on Monday will focus on gun violence prevention. You can sign up to volunteer here. [WHYY/Global Citizen]
- Across the river in Trenton, homicides dropped 43% last year. It’s much smaller (about 1/15 the size), but Philly City Council said their takeaway is Trenton leaders worked together on a plan. [WHYY/Inquirer$]
- Baltimore’s mayor also credited a “coordinated plan” with the success of a pilot that saw shootings and homicides drop 34% in that city’s targeted districts. [WashPost$]
- The four Philly teens arrested for the shooting outside Roxborough High School will stand trial for murder and other charges, a judge ruled yesterday during a hearing that described in detail how the defendants were tracked down. [NBC10/Inquirer$]
- Nine local violence prevention orgs will receive $410k in funding from the Philadelphia Eagles this year. Grantees include Mothers in Charge, One Day At A Time, and YEAH Philly. [Eagles]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 36: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 22 the week prior. [City Controller via @PCGVR]
- 51: Shooting victims this year so far, vs. 81 at this time last year. [PCGVR]
- 9: Year-to-date homicides, vs. 17 at this time last year and 2 five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
What are Mayor Kenney’s “core priorities” for his last year in office? Today his administration releases its 2023 report, titled, “Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward” (11 a.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? The Citizen is hosting public “job interviews” with each mayoral candidate, and the next free Fitler Club event features Derek Green in the hot seat. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17)
? Tryna keep that Christmas tree till the last minute? The hungry munchers at Philly Goat Project will gobble it up a week from Saturday. A $20 donation is requested. (12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21)
