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.
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.
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.
The British media is sinking down, as the American news media has lowered the bar for all of humanity. British news media is definitely trying to stoop down to that level. Everyone is stooping to the lowest common denominator.
The news as entertainment is the real danger, because the truth or accuracy of what it is reporting becomes irrelevant.
I think people are smart enough to sort it out. They know when they're watching one of these food fight shows where journalists sit around and yell and scream at each other, versus serious issue reporting.
Too many of our conversations in the media hinge on conflict delivered in three-second sound bites.
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