Looters Justify Their Actions. Sky News. 12 August 2011

Who did the reporters interview?

A group of 16 year old Looters.

What images are used in the broadcast? What does this suggest about the representation of the riots?

The images used in the broadcast show the group of 4 teenagers with their faces covered by masks. They are also wearing hats and have their hoods pulled tightly around their head to conceal their identity. This conforms to the 'hoody' stereotype and emphasises youth's negative involvement in the riots.
Despite the youths being given a platform to voice their opinions, they are still ultimately being represented in a negative way, due to the way they appear.

Is the broadcast biased?

The questions asked in the broadcast show that the reporter, in no way, approves of the looting but also shows an understanding that the youths have a reason for their criminal actions. "Feeling isolated in life isn't an excuse but it is part of the context"

Are youths given a fair voice?

Youths are given a fair voice as they are able to explain the reasoning behind their involvement in the looting. They blame the government for not providing them with the help they require and the fact that they have no opportunities or prospects. They state in the interview that no where is willing to hire them, despite their numerous attempts. They also feel that by looting the shops they applied to, they are exacting their revenge.

"They're not giving us the opportunity to go, work hard and show them, yeah, we can do this, we can be as, like, you know, wealthy as you, like we can do exactly what you can do but they dont want to give us that chance."