With many print/broadcast editors ever craving for anniversary stories --- partially because it’s an easy way to fill chunks of editorial space around ads or chew up TV time --- look for lengthy pieces through Sunday on the 1992 Los Angeles riots, predicts Grumpy Editor.
Editors get especially excited when recycling anniversary events that include elements that grab attention.
The April 29, 1992 L.A. unrest coverage included images of police actions, fires, smoke, looters storming supermarkets and TV stores --- even National Guard troops getting into the fray.
The 1992 rioting broke out after a jury acquitted four Los Angeles Police Department officers accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King after a high-speed pursuit.
Reappearance of that footage is likely to be seen on TV.
The rioting over five days resulted in about $1 billion in property damage, 63 deaths and thousands injured.
Also look for King to appear in interviews. He’s making the rounds pitching the book, “The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption,” coauthored with Lawrence J. Spagnola, that debuted this week.
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