TLDR: the decision of what a media outlet should publish belongs with that outlet and fear of violent reprisals is very far from being the only reason to not publish an item.
Collectively shouting "I'm Spartacus" protects the collective and sends a strong message.
That seems so obvious to me. Obviously, if it’s the fear of violent attacks that leads to that behaviour then that’s problematic, but that’s a separate discussion.
[1] The practice of officially examining books, movies, etc., and suppressing unacceptable parts. (www.oxforddictionaries.com/)
Edit: (Trying to be more factual) NYDailyNews removed unacceptable parts, which is censorship according to [1]. I'm not claiming this was a good/bad decision.