Final answer:
Coverage surrounding shooters in the media often falls into two categories: watchdog journalism, which focuses on providing substantive information for public understanding, and sensationalist coverage, which leans towards emotionally driven stories that may not offer deep insight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two types of coverage surrounding the shooters typically consist of watchdog journalism, where media serves as an overseer of democracy, providing information necessary for public understanding and accountability, and sensationalist coverage, which can be described as paparazzi-style reporting that focuses on attention-grabbing details, often at the expense of substantive facts.
In cases of shootings and debates such as gun control, media coverage can sway public opinion and influence policy. The watchdog role involves scrutiny of laws and regulations, the influence of interest groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the impact of gun accessibility on mass shootings. Sensational coverage may exploit emotionally triggering content, overshadow key developments, and drive narratives that do not necessarily inform the public but engage them through controversy or human-interest angles.
The debate around gun control often intensifies after mass shootings, with some advocating for stricter gun laws or bans on certain weapons types, while others oppose restrictions, citing constitutional rights and self-protection. This ongoing debate has led to various state laws, with some requiring background checks at gun shows and others not, highlighting complexities in balancing safety concerns and gun ownership rights.