The Impact of True Crime Podcasts on Cold Case Investigations and Victims\u27 Advocacy

Abstract

True crime has long captivated public interest, evolving from sensationalized accounts in the Middle Ages to the widespread popularity of modern podcasts. This qualitative study explores the ethical complexities of true crime media by examining how it intersects with criminal investigations, public perception, and victim advocacy. Through in-depth interviews with law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and true crime content creators, the study investigates differing attitudes toward the role of podcasts in active and cold cases. Using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method, data were analyzed to uncover shared and divergent themes across professional roles. Law enforcement participants voiced concerns over web- sleuthing and misinformation, urging content creators to proceed with caution and respect for ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, podcast hosts reported navigating ethical tensions between storytelling, research integrity, and empathy for victims’ families. Victim advocates emphasized the potential for both harm and healing in media representation. As true crime podcasting continues to influence public discourse and case visibility, this research highlights the need for ethically informed media practices and cross-disciplinary dialogue