HomeThe Trinitian Student Researchervol. 4 no. 1 (2012)

The Contribution of TV Program S.O.C.O. to Viewers’ Perception of Crime

Catherine Aquino | Rufino Angelo Iii Juco | Iara Mariano | Paula Lyn Ordoñez | Josaida Mae Richards

Discipline: Social Science

 

Abstract:

This study determined the perception of televiewers on crime as a result of watching the program S.O.C.O. (Scene of the Crime Operatives). The program features the investigation of sensational crimes. It includes the re-enactment of a crime and the procedures followed in its investigation. The survey included 100 people who regularly watched S.O.C.O. Interviews supported the findings in the survey.

 

The program S.O.C.O. elicited different emotions from the televiewers such as curiosity, anger, pity, and fear. Of the four, the most common was fear. The viewers were fearful that the crime featured on the show might happen to them. The following aspects of the program contributed to sowing fear among its viewers: (1) presentation of pictures of the victim and the scene of the crime, (2) background music, (3) sound effect, (4) narration of the host, and (5) schedule. Of the five, showing of pictures onscreen frightened the viewers the most. On the other hand, the viewers liked the re-enactment of the crime. Fear of crime increased as the show progressed.

 

The study concluded that the program instills awareness on the viewers on the nature of crimes that happen in society thus making them vigilant and observant of their surroundings.