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True Crime's Dark Side: Veteran Journalists Warn of Blurring Lines

True crime's allure risks trivializing serious issues. Two seasoned journalists sound the alarm on the genre's ethical pitfalls.

In this image I see number of books on which there is something written and I see that it is dark...
In this image I see number of books on which there is something written and I see that it is dark over here.

True Crime's Dark Side: Veteran Journalists Warn of Blurring Lines

True crime, a genre that has captivated audiences worldwide, is facing scrutiny from veteran journalists like Sofia Pinto Coelho and Mariana Van Zeller. Both have dedicated decades to covering crime and justice, but they warn of a blurring line between information and entertainment.

Sofia Pinto Coelho, a Portuguese journalist who has spent her career covering justice for SIC, expresses concern about the increasing trivialization of crime. She believes the popularity of true crime has led to fewer ethical constraints, risking the seriousness of journalism. Meanwhile, Mariana Van Zeller, a Portuguese journalist who built her career in the U.S., aims to humanize the 'villains' in her stories. She seeks to provide context and understand the systems behind their choices, as seen in her work for National Geographic.

The allure of true crime lies in audiences' moral curiosity, the dopamine rush of mystery, and the feeling of control gained by knowing potential dangers. However, this fascination has led to a boom in content, with vast amounts of series, films, and podcasts dedicated to the genre. Yet, despite its popularity, little is known about black and gray markets, which account for 35% of the global economy.

As true crime continues to captivate audiences, journalists like Sofia Pinto Coelho and Mariana Van Zeller remind us of the importance of ethical journalism. While the genre offers insights into the human condition and the underworld, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of reporting to avoid trivializing crime and its consequences.

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