TV Station Is Live-Tweeting Rodney King Riots…20 Years After the Rodney King Trial
- Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:27pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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A California Highway Patrol officer stands guard in Los Angeles on April 30, 1992. Local TV station KNBC-TV is marking the 20th anniversary of the L.A. riots by live-tweeting events as they unfolded. (AP File Photo)
Twenty years ago, a Southern California jury was weighing the fates of four police officers accused of brutally beating black motorist Rodney King after a traffic stop. Their subsequent acquittal touched off several days of race riots in Los Angeles that left 55 people dead, 2,300 injured and 1,500 buildings damaged or destroyed.
In marking two decades since Los Angeles burned, local television news station KNBC-TV is putting a new media spin on things, live-tweeting events as they happened in 1992.
The Twitter account @RealTimeLARiots kicked off April 20, chronicling the end of the trial of the four officers — three white, one Hispanic — accused of beating King.
“On April 29 at 3:15 p.m., the verdict will be announced and the account will shift focus to the riots, complete with archive footage, photos and breaking news from around Los Angeles,” KNBC explained. “Each @RealTimeLARiots tweet corresponds to the actual date and time (sometimes down to the minute) of each major event as it unfolded back in 1992.”
Here’s a sample of what the account has produced so far:
And an ominous warning of what’s to come:
“With the 20th anniversary coming up, there is a ton of coverage out there, so we were looking for a unique way to tell the story – a compelling way that people couldn’t get anywhere else,” Olsen Ebright, content producer for the station, told Lost Remote.
Ebright said he’s been a fan of similar real-time Twitter accounts, such as World War II (@RealTimeWWII) and the Titanic (@TitanicRealTime), and “we took our inspiration from them.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, the account had posted 35 messages and had more than 1,000 followers.
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Comments (64)
WeMustNeverForget
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:52pmUnbelievable what the media is complicit to!! Leave it up to the LA Times to stoke the embers. Look what they just recently did in releasing the photos that Panetta pleaded not to be released!! Seems to me that they are not in the business of just reporting (responsible journalism) but of instigating.
Report Post »Marci
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 2:14pmYou hit the nail on the head WeMust.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 6:27pmI wonder if the brothers will be stealing 20 yr. old TV’s in the name of Rodney.
Report Post »adouglass1
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:50pmto kill or harm anyone simply because of differences. I would have kept my son at home if he was on suspension in his room on the floor staring at the wal no tv no phone etc etc not out buying skittles, that due to lack of parenting not race. I cant say about the other part because their still is a lot missing but maybe I would have tried a warning shot or a leg shot. But I dont know I was not their.
Report Post »lisa2994
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:48pm@Dismayed Veteran
A very heavy heart! Sad to see our country coming to this!!!!
Report Post »lisa2994
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:47pmThey will do anything to keep all of us divided! At least now it is out in the open who the media is and their agenda!!!!!
Report Post »adouglass1
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:46pmher family… But since we have been here we are allready talking about relocating been thinking Texas, North Carolina or Florida. So much to consider so little time, with all the things that do go on in surrounding cities etc etc. I will say this not everyone in California is the enemy, not every Black person is the enemy, I dont want your stuff I get my own through God’s grace, I have never asked anyone to take care of my family just me and my wife my ROCK. This is to anyone and everyone stay out my business and I will stay of yours especially if you are trying to bring suffering my way. And even if you get in my business I will tell u back off regardless of race, or whatever human word it is for strife and discord. I am really only worried about the roaring lion that seeks to devour. I will say that I will seem to need and this one of my mistakes I never brought weapons like I should have. I should have been teaching esp my son how to shoot (in self defense) I will aim to rectify these real soon. I just never did because guns and rifles are so freaking expensive. But I have gold, food, stocks, insurance etc so why not? I ask anyone in those states whats a good place to raise a family with decent home prices, employment, and a Christian school ( I no longer trust Public) My names Allan 37 Christian,former Marine, Dad, Husband, son, American and most of all follower of Jesus and Son of the one true God. Yes their are bad seeds everywhere but trust me when I say I dont want
Report Post »momrules
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 2:47pmI moved from Houston last year and now I live in small town East Texas . We would love to have you anywhere here in this great state. Just stay away from the big cities……….go country.
Report Post »adouglass1
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 3:23pm@Momrules,
Thanks I appreciate that yes the big cities are cannon fodder. My family isnt ready to go all rural yet all city dwellers lol, but I have been weaning them like Reno/Sparks is a small city in Nevada compared to Los Angeles or the other biggies. Rancho Cucamonga where I live now is what is known as the I.E. or Inland Empire it is like 30-40 miles from Los Angeles Proper. In traffic its likes 2 hours since their is always traffic its that during a riot or some other disaster happen, I hopefully can get to AZ or NV rather quickly if I havent moved by then. I may just suggest to my better half we look into having our property as rental use that disposable income and hire a property management firm. Also I am reluctant to leave my Mother behind who retires in December. Be safe and please dont let them close the doors to Texas just yet give us transplants at least six months. Lol we have to wrap stuff up im a capitalist I invested in this house and the house we have in Nevada still. Again stay safe and God Bless thanks again.
Report Post »roadhog
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:42pmRace cards will be played by the Media
Report Post »MAMMY_NUNN
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 3:52pmBut they will never show the police chase and the preceding events before the beating it has been thouroughly been scrubbed. Don’t believe what the MSM feeds you. I seen the full tape and the police were justified in there actions.
Report Post »My Two Cents
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:41pmKNBC should show balance and tweet some stuff from the Carter years.
Report Post »drphil69
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:41pmLet’s not forget about the white guy that was dragged out of his truck and beat nearly to death with a brick – the judge ruled a brick is not a deadly weapon…
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:38pmI don’t hate blacks. One of the finest soldiers I had the honor of knowing was MSG James Butler. He taught me how to be a decent 2LT. My life was saved by a black medic from another unit.
I believe in the deliberate effort to enrage the black community to violence. Sharpton, Jackson and Farakan (spelling?) want to see blood flow and actually believe that they can win in combat. I think that many of us will be dragged into something we would rather not do. For all the trolls, some of us face this with heavy heart.
Report Post »RLTW
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:55pmI also served with a great number of honorable dark green soldiers who progressed based on character and hard work, these men never played the race card and refused to carry a collective burden of hate.
Report Post »MAMMY_NUNN
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 10:18pmMy mentor was a black First Sargent served in Vietnam beginning to end but when Reagan imposed welfare reform they flocked to the military refused to work and take orders and claimed racism then got promoted to hush things up. Funny story about my First Sargent he said he wasn’t black enough and painted himself with shoe polish and was courtmarshalled for it.
Report Post »buntoby
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:31pmI believe the media is fanning the fire, bigtime!
Report Post »adouglass1
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:28pmI sit hear speechless as some of this is just so upsetting. I am worried not so much for myself but two precious kids my 3 old baby girl and my 8 year old son. My girl isnt worried about anything but some skittles playing and starting ballet soon. My son isnt worried about anything but school football starting soon going to our new church on Sunday to battle Bey Blades and get the word, as well as the new Avengers movie coming out. Me I worry about them and their world because this one I dont recognize. In 1992 I was a junior at Arcadia High In Arcadia, Ca I like most everyone I know was not involved in any riots the school was open nothing burned etc etc. Fast forward more than a few years im 37 now married homeowner graduated college have had one failed business, one I sold, and hopefully this current one works out. I am saddened because the more I look around the more blogs I go on it just for lack of better words makes me sad. But I do have the glorious hope of Jesus Christ and my Father God that this will just pass and be temporary. I wonder everyday how I can get myself and my family to walk through the gates of Heaven thats the first and foremost thing. But while we are here we have to survive this Earth. I love America I have learned, messed up, stood up, partied, broke down, lost, suffered, gained all at the same time. I live in Rancho Cucamonga Ca for the last two months before that in Reno/Sparks Nevada where maybe I should have stayed. Moved because My wife missed
Report Post »ladyda
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:24pmThey are probably trying to hurry up the planned “crises” AND get people plugged into them for their “live time soon to be riots”. I hope they are one of the first places to receive the “benefit” of what they are inciting.
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:43pmWOW…live …real time riots…just like…egypt? and the ARAB SPRING? hmmmm…
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:45pm…and the benefit, my dear…would that give the government a reason to …control the internet? like Egypt? hmmmm…. useful idiots.
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:46pm…once again, proving… the love of money truly IS the root of all evil.
Report Post »Bonnieblue2A
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:19pmMichelle Obama: “We can re-write our history”.
Report Post »Legal Immigrant
Posted on April 26, 2012 at 8:35amI don‘t think she’ll be happy if she gets written out of history except for a footnote “FLOTUS gave advice on nutrition without a license to pratice nutrition.”
Report Post »slidder
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:18pmThe Liberal machine will do all it can to divide and conquer during this election cycle.They cannot run on their failures and this could be their LAST(Hopefully) chance to change Our Nation to a European Socialist type and how is that working out in Eurpoe? Nobama will if reelected have a free reign to do whatever it takes to lower Our Standards to that of Europe! Truman said the Buck Stops here and Nobama say the same thing but only long enough for him to Redistribute it!
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:42pm…and thats because you think the republicans …are different??? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:17pmAnd so they have found a way to tie the hispanics into the white on black theme:
“The Twitter account @RealTimeLARiots kicked off April 20, chronicling the end of the trial of the four officers — three white, one Hispanic — accused of beating King.”
The rulers want to get a war started right here at home so Marshall Law can be declared and the elections postponed for the sake of “the country”
Hope this is a cold and rainy summer.
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:24pmAmen. praying for Reign, In Jesus Name
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:12pmCreate a Mind Set… and the people will act accordingly!
Report Post »Teabunny
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:10pmZimmerman is screwed! (or else we are!)
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:59pm.
Report Post »This may be our chance to get rid of Califorina once and for all…..We should Fan the Racial Flame’s in L.A. Tweet a bunch of Fake White on African Crimes, Ending Gay Marriage, Chunk in a couple of thousand Fast & Furrious Weapons, sit back and watch them burn that mother to the ground…..
pap pap
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:57pmWTF. I wonder who is behind this ?
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:54pmWhy go in the past? Why not tweet the future?
Presidential Election @Preselection2012 6 Nov
Report Post »#Breaking: Obama loses re-election. Romney becomes 45th President. #RonPaul refuses to relent. Promises 2016 run. and 2020. and 2024..etc.
cemerius
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:03pmOnly problem is WHEN Obama loses the inner cities will burn worse than these “LA riots”!!! It may end up being the last election for a long while!!! Thank you cards need to be sent to Big Al Sharptongue and Jesse Jackson…..With honorable mentions to Louis Farrakhan and Van Jones!!!!
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:13pmHe won’t lose. There will be more voter fraud during this election than any other time. The unions will make sure of that.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:47pmYeah, it doesn’t look all promising. Voter fraud has always been a big weapon of the left. And since those creeps got away with voter intimidation last time, expect that as well.
Yet I‘d still rather deal with the riots in an Obama loss rather than face what we’re headed for if he wins.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:51pmAs IF, the racial tensions weren’t at an EXTREME boiling point those insensitive “jack askess” at the LA Times wants to put their on kerosene on the fire??? Time to get my gun oil and rags out, would hate for a jam to happen at the wrong moment!!! Sheeeee ight!!!
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:36pmBetter stockpile ammo the prices are going up faster than gas.
Report Post »PatriotDadOfSix
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:47pmGood! Bring it!
Report Post »Unix
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:44pmWhy do I get this feeling EVERYTHING is orchestrated? I think people are taking advantage of small crises to put forth an agenda, one that does not bode well for America and Capitalism. I am afraid we are at war already, we just don’t know it yet. Of course this is just an opinion.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:31pmThis is only going to add more fuel to the fires already set by the radicals and Occupy bands.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:49pmThere is no such thing as a race war……we are all one race “human”. You can call it a world view war or perhaps a skin color war but it’s really a spiritual war, a war for our souls. We must not hate we must love our enemy and turn the other cheek. I know what that sounds like but Christ taught us these things and if we put on the full armour of God (His Word) and occupy Jesus then we will win live or die. Hate only distroys.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:30pmAnother method being used by obama and holder to get a race war started.
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:44pmAjax, is every thing about race with you ? seek help
Report Post »PatriotDadOfSix
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:51pmAJAYW is correct. And it’s not about race with US..It’s THEM. They are the ones revving up the race machine. I’m just here to stop it..by any means necessary when it comes to my door. I’m done with this s**t.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:53pm@steelhead…..this issues have EVERYTHING to do about race…..There are MANY other than Holder and Obama involved with this BS!!
Report Post »ChuckSammich
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:55pmHead
Report Post »Everything is a farce with you. Get a new life and learn. Why is your man all about race any way? When you give to the NAACP and the ***** college fund do you keep your reciepts and write them off? What a total loss of a brain-didn’t you hear the part about a mind being a terrible thing to waste? Donate dude. You can make money now on your body parts and pay off your college loans.
Steelhead
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 12:55pmdof6-It is only about race with Ajax, he only sees black or white
Report Post »grimmy
Posted on April 25, 2012 at 1:34pm@steelhead aka encinom. Ajayw said a race war, he never said anything about individule races you pathetic moron.What the left stirs the pot enough, and the sh!it in it, that is the left spills over,then it will be the right, aka the fire, that burns it away, for good.encinom,i would advise you and your ilk whether black or white, asian or hispanic, to be afraid,be very afraid, because we are ready, and waiting.
Drago.
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