I generally agree with your points, with the exception of the "black box" argument. Broadcast news has evolved to heavily incorporate news commentary. Unlike the impersonal and transparent reporting often found in digital news, the visible anchors and reporters on TV significantly shape public perception.
So while diversifying on-screen talent in terms of political alignment (or more broadly) might not solve the underlying "black box" of news production, it could influence the public's perception of political bias. This isn't to say young Republicans will suddenly tune into every CBS News broadcast (as I said, I agree with the overarching thesis here), but it does suggest that political diversification holds merit if the goal is to improve overall public perception and, to some extent, public trust.
Fair distinction, Dror. I agree that TV is more personality- or product-driven than other media, and "casting" certainly frames the show. My concern is that if we don't open up the Black Box (let people see how the sausage is made), then diversity of faces becomes tokenism. It may create a short-term perception gain, but I don't think it creates long-term trust if you don't reveal the editorial process.
I generally agree with your points, with the exception of the "black box" argument. Broadcast news has evolved to heavily incorporate news commentary. Unlike the impersonal and transparent reporting often found in digital news, the visible anchors and reporters on TV significantly shape public perception.
So while diversifying on-screen talent in terms of political alignment (or more broadly) might not solve the underlying "black box" of news production, it could influence the public's perception of political bias. This isn't to say young Republicans will suddenly tune into every CBS News broadcast (as I said, I agree with the overarching thesis here), but it does suggest that political diversification holds merit if the goal is to improve overall public perception and, to some extent, public trust.
Fair distinction, Dror. I agree that TV is more personality- or product-driven than other media, and "casting" certainly frames the show. My concern is that if we don't open up the Black Box (let people see how the sausage is made), then diversity of faces becomes tokenism. It may create a short-term perception gain, but I don't think it creates long-term trust if you don't reveal the editorial process.