The author follows a three-part argument: (1) with the exception of a few high-profile examples, the direct impact of media reports on public policy is much less than commonly believed; (2) the influence of criminological knowledge on public policy is more pervasive than realized; and (3) media coverage of criminological research does not necessarily lead to better public policy. The analysis suggests that the power of the media in shaping rather than reinforcing pre-existing public perceptions of crime is sometimes overestimated. Moreover, media stories can highlight public policy deficiencies but only in rare instances do they set the public policy reform agenda. Criminological knowledge has had a substantial influence on public policy, both in terms of the "enlightenment" process and in more direct ways by supplying ideas and arguments for public policy decisions. While researchers should not avoid communicating criminological knowledge to a variety of audiences, they should be aware of the danger of "bending" scientific discourse to fit the media format. 23 references, 5 notes, and 1 figure