A ‘Simmering Political Issue’: How Mainstream United States Newspapers Portray the Bail Reform Debate

ABSTRACT According to agenda‐setting theory, the media informs consumers about important issues and can help shape their perceptions. Using inductive qualitative content analysis, this study examines the discourse on ‘bail reform’ in highly circulated US newspapers over 20 years. The media portrayal shifted from viewing bail reform as a necessary change to address class and racial bias in the legal system to framing it as a simmering political issue. Specifically, bail reform was depicted as endangering communities by releasing potentially dangerous individuals before trial. This politically charged rhetoric highlights the interconnectedness of politics, media and the criminal legal system.