The BBC interviews writer Darcus Howe about the London riots. While he does not support the riots themselves, Howe understands the rioters' frustration with the authorities and believes the riots are the only way to get the government's attention. No images of the riots are shown during the interview, but Howe stands in front of a burnt building, implying the rioters caused damage. The broadcast is slightly biased as the reporter asks questions intended to portray Howe's viewpoint negatively. Youths are not directly given a voice, but Howe advocates for understanding the reasons behind their actions.

1. London Riots Broadcast News
Who do the reporters interview during the broadcast?
The BBC reporters interview Darcus Howe who is a writer and broadcaster. Darcus
Howe has a very strong view on the riots and although he does not support the riots,
he supports the rioters themselves. This is because he feels that this is the only way
for people to put their opinion across to the authorities and government. Darcus Howe
may also say this as he has knowledge of gang culture, so he can understand why the
riots are going ahead.
What images are used in the news broadcast? What do they
suggest about the representation of young people in the
riots?
There are no images of the riots shown during the interview with Darcus Howe.
However, the interview takes place with Darcus Howe stood in front of a burnt down
building, presumably damaged by the riots. This means the BBC is trying to show the
extent of the damage caused by the rioters. This would mean the audience would
begin to portray young people more negatively by associating them with the building
that Darcus Howe is stood in front of.
Is the broadcast biased in anyway?
I think this broadcast is slightly biased as the reporter asks questions that try to
convert the public into thinking what Darcus Howe says is wrong. This backfires as
Darcus Howe ends up getting angrier and tells the reporter to ‘have some respect’
because he feels as though his viewpoint isn’t getting put across.
Do youths get a fair voice in this video?
There are no youths in this video but what Darcus Howe says does support the rioters
and the reasons as to why they are rioting. He does not agree with the actions of the
rioters such as looting but feels as though something needs to be done to change
things in the country.