How is crime constructed, represented and contested in contemporary media, and how can we make sense of this complex relationship? This book provides a clear, critically engaged answer, moving beyond description to empower students to analyse the power, influence and consequences of these representations. This fourth edition remains the go-to resource for students and includes: Dedicated chapters covering topics including law and order politics, the crime entertainment industry, and media constructions of criminalisation and victimisation; An exploration of changes to the media, journalistic practices, and audience engagement and their impact on how we understand crime and the media; Updated content examining the relationship between the media and criminal justice institutions; Brand new resources and curated resources for instructors, including podcasts, videos, and other contemporary materials, plus lecture slide templates for a rich multimedia learning experience. Much loved and now fully updated, this fourth edition remains essential reading for undergraduate students of criminology, media studies, cultural studies and sociology.