As CNN saw our growth in African-American viewership, they affirmed a fundamental truth of news coverage - people will watch you if they see themselves in what you report. It doesn't hurt if the people doing the reporting look like them, too.
Interpretation
Diverse representation in media can enhance audience engagement and connection.
In this quote, Soledad O'Brien emphasizes the importance of representation in news media. She asserts that when viewers see themselves reflected in the stories and faces of reporters, they are more likely to engage with the coverage. This highlights a broader truth in media: diversity among those who report the news can lead to increased viewership and a more authentic portrayal of the community's experiences and perspectives.
In practice
In a panel discussion about the representation of minorities in media.
I don't think journalism changes. It's about digging into stories and telling them well. The basic tenets of great reporting stay the same while things around it change. Technology has made reporting easier, but it has also caused job loss. Social media has increased discussion around topics, but it has its own challenges at times.
It is not entirely true that a TV producer or reporter has complete control over the contents of programs. The interests and inclinations of the audience have as much to do with the what is on television as do the ideas of the producer and reporter.
I don't think there will ever be a permanent truce, but I believe the media needs to be more careful and be willing to count to 10 before rushing on the air or into print.
Television will do anything for a rating... anything!
Media outlets that are exploiting Ebola because they want a sensational story and politicians using it to their own ends ought to be ashamed.
When I stepped down from the evening news at the age of 65, in '81, things were still going well. Immediately after that, the whole tenor of the CBS News Department changed.
There's plenty to criticize about the mass media, but they are the source of regular information about a wide range of topics. You can't duplicate that on blogs.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.