April 12, 2012

Why report on neo-Nazi activity related to Trayvon Martin shooting?

There are lots of people from fringe groups saying stupid things in the wake of Martin’s killing and the push to arrest Zimmerman. Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA-Ch. 8 reported Wednesday that neo-Nazi groups were handing out literature as people gathered just before Corey announced her decision on charges. … But media should be more responsible. We don’t run to neo-Nazi groups for comment on every racial controversy because we know two things: such groups only represent a small sliver of opinions, and giving racist groups media attention only helps them grow and spread.”

Related: Neo-Nazis respond to media skepticism about Sanford patrols by offering up a questionable source

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Andrew Beaujon reported on the media for Poynter from 2012 to 2015. He was previously arts editor at TBD.com and managing editor of Washington City…
Andrew Beaujon

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