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Did I Get It Right? Reporting on Protests, Looting And Clean-Up In Santa Monica
In a 24 hour period — from 3 p.m. Sunday, May 31 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 1 — I reported on protests, looting and clean-up in Santa Monica.
The stakes for getting it right felt incredibly high — media outlets, including KPCC/LAist, have been criticized for focusing too much on property damage and not enough on the systemic racism, inequality and police brutality driving the protests.
I want to let you in on my thought process, how I agonized over how to fairly report on what I was seeing, and how I may have come up short.
READ MY FULL ACCOUNT:
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
