Overview

Residents of Cerritos have recently engaged in a troubling social media campaign that attempts to incite violence against the publisher of HMG-LCCN. This alarming trend reflects a broader issue highlighted by Reporters Without Borders regarding the increasing violence against journalists.

The campaign began with a threatening hashtag created by local resident Sambhev "Sam" Desai, which was subsequently shared by another resident, Jane Yim, using a pseudonymous Facebook account. This activity has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the role of social media in amplifying hostility.

Key details

  • A report by Reporters Without Borders indicated a significant rise in violence against journalists globally, with at least 63 killed in 2018.
  • In addition to the deaths, 80 journalists were reported assaulted, marking a record high in violent incidents.
  • The report attributed the rise in violence to public and private citizen criticism of journalists' work.
  • Social media was noted as a key factor in intensifying anger towards journalists.
  • In Cerritos, the hashtag campaign was initiated by Sambhev "Sam" Desai.
  • Jane Yim, using the Facebook alias JaneAsianinLA, amplified the hashtag on social media.
  • The hashtag was combined with #fakenews to further disparage HMG-LCCN.
  • Another resident, unfamiliar with the publication, also criticized HMG-LCCN following the hashtag's emergence.
  • A small group of residents is reportedly using fake Facebook accounts to promote the offensive hashtag.
  • The actions of these residents are characterized as reckless and aimed at inciting anger against HMG-LCCN.
  • The situation reflects a concerning trend of hostility towards media outlets in the community.
  • Such campaigns pose potential risks to the safety of journalists and the integrity of local news reporting.

Context

The actions taken by these residents in Cerritos are part of a larger pattern of hostility towards journalists, as documented by Reporters Without Borders. The manipulation of social media to spread anger and misinformation has become a critical issue, impacting the safety of those in the media profession.

What happens next

It remains to be seen how local authorities and community leaders will respond to this situation, particularly in addressing the potential threats against the publisher and ensuring the safety of journalists in the area.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific motivations behind the residents' actions and the extent of any threats made against HMG-LCCN's publisher are not confirmed.