Which statement accurately depicts the modern media's portrayal of crime?

The portrayal of crime by modern media is characterized by selective construction, which means that media outlets often choose specific offenses and certain aspects of those offenses to highlight while ignoring others. This process can shape public perception by emphasizing particular narratives, such as the profiles of offenders or the nature of criminal acts, which may not be fully representative of the wider reality of crime.

For instance, media coverage might focus more on violent crimes or sensational cases, thereby creating a skewed perception that these types of crime are more prevalent than they actually are. Additionally, the media may depict offenders in a specific light—often emphasizing certain demographics or backgrounds that fit prevailing societal narratives. This selective construction can lead to public misconceptions about crime rates, the characteristics of offenders, and the likelihood of victimization.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the complexities of how crime is shown in the media. Claims of unbiased construction overlook the inherent biases in news selection and presentation. Moreover, saying media portrayals always reflect reality fails to acknowledge the artistic liberties and dramatization that often occur in crime reporting and entertainment. Lastly, stating the media focuses equally on offenders and victims ignores the tendency for narratives to disproportionately favor one over the other based on what attracts audience interest. Thus, the second statement