TV Coverage of the Riot

My brother was trapped in an office building on Western just a few blocks away from the center of the riot that erupted after the King verdict. Luckily I saw the violence break out on television and I was just able to contact him before he left for home; had I not he would have surely driven right through the middle of the riot and could have easily been killed. He was trapped in the building all night; I kept in constant contact with him by phone and--because of the news reports--I was able to let him know what buildings were on fire.

This was no time for a news blackout. People have a right to timely, correct information on the situation--even if it is the worst possible news imaginable. It is not up to Hewitt or anyone else to decide what is appropriate. This was not the Gulf War; this was taking place in our back yards. We must know what is happening.

MATTHEW SUSLECK, Santa Monica