At the Statesman, we are exercising restraint in covering these racist incidents (Bonner County Hang-Obama sign, Rexburg kids chanting "assassinate Obama). We will report on legitimate threats and incidents as they are investigated by authorities. Covering all incidents, however, is akin to reporting on bomb threats, which is something from which newspapers generally refrain. The coverage gives the perpetrators the attention they crave. In the case of racism-fueled vandalism or threats, coverage carries the unintended effect of legitimizing their behavior, or at least giving it an undeserved place in the mainstream/Idaho Statesman Editorial Board. More here.

Question: How much coverage should the Idaho press give to racist incidents in the state?

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