FAIR vs PBS, Again

The PBS ombudsman responds to the recent Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting study finding PBS news and public affairs programming lacking in diversity -- especially concerning the guests on these shows. Getler notes that while numbers are important, and a useful measure, they do not always add up to providing real diversity that is useful both to the news organization and its readers or viewers. Getler focuses first on the diversity of the shows' hosts and correspondents saying PBS "presents perhaps the most diverse public face of any major network." Getler thinks PBS can still do better on the diversity front and that everybody will be better off, especially the viewers, if this is done properly. The FAIR analysis is a good reminder and renewable challenge, especially about the need for more public interest guests.