Newspapers and the antisatanism movement: A content analysis

Abstract

This study examines the role of newspapers in the emergence of concerns that Satanism is a serious, growing threat to moral order. Data are from a content analysis of occult articles published in eight major newspapers across the United States between 1980–1989. Analysis reveals that, relative to other occult stories, Satanism stories increased markedly over the decade and that articles on Satanism are much more negative in tone than articles on witchcraft. Analysis further suggests that newspapers do not appear to be moral entrepreneurs actively expanding a sense of occult danger. Newspapers do, however, promote a public perception of Satanism by publishing especially lurid stories for economic gain and by providing a forum for Satanism “experts.” It is these experts (e.g., police officers and religious leaders) who appear to initiate the growing public concern over Satanism.