Mosque attack coverage contributed to support for gun control in New Zealand
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/122266508/mosque-attack-coverage-contributed-to-support-for-gun-control-in-new-zealand
Public support for gun control in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings was influenced by media coverage of the atrocity, according to a new study.
Researchers at University of Otago Wellington analysed print articles for three months after the attack and say the decision to leave the gunman “nameless and faceless” meant New Zealanders were more likely to support changes in government policy – rather than blame the event on the actions of an individual.
Fifty-one people were killed when a gunman opened fire in two Christchurch mosques on March 15, 2019, using a lawfully obtained military-style semi-automatic rifle.