LNR-London: There's a thin line between news and glorification: the role of media during the riots

Guardian :: "In some respects I blame the media for the intensity of the current riots," Michael Genelin, former assistant district attorney, says. Media hasn't learned that the need for public attention by gang members is constant, he argues. And the more attention they get, the more they act out. Examples: "Throwing gang signs is a gang member's MO. He wants to be identified. Advertising through graffiti is another example of gang PR at work … and shouting gang identification during a gang attack is a common occurrence."

Peter Preston, Guardian, asks: "What? Fleet Street and the BBC to blame as Hackney burns?"

Continue to read Peter Preston, www.guardian.co.uk