Investigating how news media reports on community firearm violence affects marginalized racial groups
Official title: Examining Racial and Spatial Disparities in Harmful News Media Reporting on Community Firearm Violence
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10934360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how news stories about gun violence affect communities, especially those that are often overlooked, and aims to find ways to improve how the media reports on these issues to reduce harmful stereotypes and support healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $230,956 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD019088-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from marginalized racial groups who have been affected by community firearm violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of involvement with community firearm violence or who are not from the affected racial groups may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of news media reporting on community firearm violence, particularly how it affects marginalized racial groups. It aims to identify harmful reporting practices that perpetuate stereotypes and trauma among victims of firearm violence. By analyzing the narratives presented in the media, the research seeks to develop a consensus definition of harmful reporting and create tools to measure its impact. The ultimate goal is to inform better media practices that can help mitigate the effects of structural racism in communities affected by firearm violence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved media reporting practices that better represent and support marginalized communities affected by firearm violence.
How similar studies have gone: While there is emerging research on the impact of media narratives on public health, this specific focus on racial and spatial disparities in harmful reporting is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beard, Jessica H — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Beard, Jessica H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.