News channels need more moderators for presidential debates that reflect America’s diversity

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From National Association of Hispanic Journalists

29 August 2024

Guest opinion.At the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential debates, there will be only one journalist of color among six moderators – a leadership failure that news networks still have time to remedy.

The news networks have unprecedented latitude to shape these debates after both campaign teams decided to bypass the Presidential Debate Commission. Although CNN, ABC and CBS have talented, competent journalists of color in their ranks, they have so far failed to seize the opportunity to field moderators who fully reflect the country the candidates seek to represent.

[Editor’s Note: This article was first published by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and was shared to the Indigenous Journalists Association. Used with permission. All rights reserved.]

The anchors chosen so far are all excellent journalists, but the diversity of backgrounds represented leads to higher quality journalism. The perspectives and experiences of journalists of color can ensure they ask questions that resonate with a broader audience. Instead, the network and cable news channels are implicitly signaling that white journalists are most likely to be called on when the stakes are high.

There is still time to change the situation. ABC News, which will host the next presidential debate on September 10, and CBS News, which will present the vice presidential candidates on October 1, can each add an additional moderator, as the networks did for the primary debates. They can also structure the debates so that the candidates get questions from a diverse audience, including local journalists.

If another debate takes place in October – which the Harris campaign says is possible – the network hosting the debate should ensure that the moderators reflect the diversity of the American people.

Latinos, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans make up nearly 40% of the U.S. population; by about 2050, they will make up more than half of the U.S. population. This year, 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote, representing nearly 15% of the electorate. There are more than 34 million eligible Black voters and 15 million eligible Asian American voters.

Journalists of color not only ask good questions, they also set a model of democratic participation for the millions of young people who see them on screen and whose votes candidates fight for. Asians and Latinos are the fastest-growing ethnic groups in America.

But this election cycle, news networks seem to be taking a step back. In 2020, Asian American journalist Elaine Quijano moderated the vice presidential debate after Amna Nawaz, an Asian American Muslim, moderated a Democratic presidential primary debate.

This year, ABC News’ Linsey Davis, who is black, is the only non-white moderator among the six chosen. The CNN presidential debate on June 27 was moderated by Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. According to ABC News, Davis and David Muir will moderate the next presidential debate. According to CBS, the vice presidential debate will be moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan.

About the Asian American Journalists Association
The Asian American Journalists Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity in journalism and ensuring Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the media. Founded in 1981, AAJA provides resources, training, and support for AAPI journalists, advocates for fair coverage of AAPI issues, and promotes professional development for its members. Learn more at aaja.org or follow us on X @AAJA.

About the Indigenous Journalists Association
The Indigenous Journalists Association’s mission is based on the idea that accurate and contextual reporting of Indigenous people and communities is necessary to overcome biases and stereotypes portrayed in popular and mainstream media. Expanding access to accurate news and information is critical to an informed citizenry and a healthy democracy at the tribal, local, state, and national levels. Through programs that support diversity and defend the free press, the IJA promotes accurate media reporting and encourages all newsrooms to adhere to the highest ethical standards when covering Indigenous communities. Learn more at indigenousjournalists.org and follow us on X @IndigenousJA.

About the National Association of Hispanic Journalists
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists is an educational and charitable association dedicated to the recognition and professional development of Hispanic students, professionals and educators in the field of journalism. The NAHJ has a strong focus on advocacy, addressing injustices and policy issues affecting Latino journalists across the country while supporting a growing network of members and branches. For more information, visit NAHJ.org or follow us on X @NAHJ.