Graffiti and the Media

Quick Tips

Request that reporters avoid showing graffiti, 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".

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 coverage. It's a highly desirable achievement within the graffiti subculture for a graffiti vandal to have his or her tag or work appear anywhere in the media, in videos, in motion pictures, television, or any advertising medium.

Here are three strategies to assist reporters cover a graffiti story without contributing to a rise in incidences:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

    Include contact information for specific individuals designated to serve as media spokespersons, and any local and national graffiti prevention resources. Use the Graffiti Hurts® Fact Sheet, Tips for Businesses, Fast Facts, or FAQs as background information.

  3. 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.