Graffiti and the Media
The Internet, newspapers, television, and radio can be powerful allies in educating communities about the negative impacts of graffiti. But unlike other issues, which can receive positive benefits from exposure in the media, the problem of graffiti can be exacerbated by increased visibility of graffiti tags.
Graffiti vandals consider it a major achievement to have their tag or work appear anywhere in the media, in videos, in motion pictures, television, or any other public forum. Perhaps the most important role you can play in working with your local media is to very clearly explain this phenomenon to them, and very strongly encourage them not to illustrate the story with photos of the graffiti tags. Instead, encourage the reporter/photographer to focus on the victims or, at the very least, to “mask” the graffiti by blurring, distorting, or shooting at such an angle that the tag can’t be clearly identified.
Here are four strategies to assist reporters in covering a graffiti story without contributing to a rise in incidences:
Quick Tips
- Request that reporters avoid showing graffiti vandalism, as it only gives more fame to the person who did it.
- If graffiti must be shown, ask that only one small unrecognizable area be used, or that a background of graffiti be slightly out-of-focus to distort any tags. It can also be photographed at an angle that makes it illegible.
- Ask that they not only report on the problem, but the positive steps being taken to reduce graffiti in the community.
- Never mention vandals by their tag names in stories.
- Involve reporters in local graffiti prevention and cleanup activities.
- Never refer to graffiti vandals as "artists".
- Make sure reporters know that Graffiti Hurts® is a nationwide program of Keep America Beautiful, and provide them with samples of program materials and the website URL (GraffitiHurts.org).
- Host a Media Breakfast.
Invite reporters to an informal gathering with neighborhood groups, public officials, law enforcement, and others involved in graffiti prevention. Educate them about graffiti and media exposure. Use local data, as well as information from Graffiti Hurts®, to educate about the impact of graffiti on the community. Give reporters a chance to ask questions. - Prepare a Press Kit.
Provide the media with a simple press kit. This might include background information on graffiti and its impact on the community; a press release highlighting a new study, an increase or decrease in graffiti, or other graffiti "news"; an announcement about an upcoming paint-out, mural project, or graffiti cleanup activity. Supply photos or DVD video of cleanup or other removal activities.
Include contact information for specific individuals designated to serve as media spokespersons, and any local and national graffiti prevention resources. Use Tips for Businesses (PDF), Fast Facts, or FAQs as background information. - Write a "Letter to the Editor."
Use a letter to the Editor to respond quickly to local media reports about graffiti. The letter can address or correct reported information by providing specific data about graffiti vandalism in your community. The letter can also be used to educate about graffiti, and to publicize an upcoming paint-out, tree planting, mural, or other graffiti prevention activity and the need for community support.
Take a look at Graffiti Hurts® sample letter. - Start A Blog
Upset by graffiti in your community? Use easy online tools (like blogger.com or typepad.com) to start a discussion with others. I nvite local celebrities or law enforcement to participate in the discussion as guest bloggers or commentators. Engage victims of graffiti vandalism to tell their personal stories that illustrate the impact of graffiti. Refer reporters to your blog for background information and to monitor the dialogue around the issues. Link back to GraffitiHurts.org.
