"The Cronulla riot erupted on Sunday, December 11," writes D. D. McNicoll in the Media supplement to yesterday's The Australian.

Debate in the media about the riots erupted again this week in the wake of the ruling laid down by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. Everyone wanted a piece of the action, from John Singleton (2GB's majority owner) to John Howard (the prime minister).

McNicoll's piece describes in unadorned and measured style the facts of the case, and is really, in my view, the last thing you need to read.

The sound and the fury will abate soon but the underlying problems persist.

McNicoll is a senior journalist with the News Corp broadsheet and is seen sometimes to take charge of the 'Strewth!' column, which he does with distinction.