1) The media was instrumental to MLK and getting his message out. He dominated the media by the time he was at his peak.
2) It is necessary for the media to be at the rioting/looting. Argue however you wish about the current state of news media in the US but one of the primary functions of the media being on the ground in situations like this is to prevent state violence and/or to document it. That's why its often so important for the media to be on the ground in literal war zones. It's a lot harder for states to commit genocide with all eyes on them.
When people say shit like... "hurrr the media shouldn't cover stuff like this! They should only cover 'positive' stories!" one should immediately realize this is what actual fascists say.
I'm talking about the original story, not the rioting. No need to degrade yourself to insults.