ABSTRACT
This chapter explores that how the city's newspapers and TV news covered the troubling episode reveals much about the media's detached relationship with Hispanics in the city and the profound degree to which Hispanic leaders perceive themselves alienated by the press. That "spin" came from Cortiella the city official looking to calm a volatile situation. Later, Cortiella expressed dismay that other Hispanic voices were not sought out by the press. Mexican Americans form the largest group accounting for 60 percent of the nation's Hispanic population. Puerto Ricans are the second largest group representing 12 percent of all Hispanics, followed by Cuban Americans at 5 percent. Hispanic political influence is further diminished by the very nature of Hispanics who are elected. Public policy decisions are influenced by the quality and quantity of media coverage. Whether it is riots, a cross burning, a mayoral election or a commissions findings on the status of Hispanics, governmental response may be framed by media reporting.
