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Enigma of the Dark: Reflections while Researching Journalism and the Claremont Serial Killings
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Enigma of the Dark: Reflections while Researching Journalism and the Claremont Serial Killings

Mary-Anne L Romano
Coolabah, (29), pp.17-31
Winter 2021
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CC BY V4.0 Open Access

Abstract

Journalism, news, serial killer, identity Journalism studies Professional writing and journalism practice
After almost 25 years of mass media coverage on the Claremont Serial Killings, Perth audiences were informed in December 2020 that Bradley Robert Edwards would serve two life sentences for murdering two of the young women. This article draws on interviews with journalists to discuss media practices in the case that shocked Perth while shaping audience understandings of women as victims. The article describes how the term ‘serial killer’ came into use to bolster the importance of Western Australian news; how the status and resources of victim’s family influenced media coverage and, consequently, the police investigation; and, how the position of a journalist as an unbiased observer became untenable in the case.

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