The format of network television news programs generally allows advoca

Even if they discuss opposing views on TV, they only do so for 30seconds which is not enough to cover all the details for meaningful and insightful discussion. Therefore, watching TV news alone is not enough. However, if people who regularly watch TV news are even more likely to read newspapers and get more information, this weakens the conclusion that regular watching of TV news leads to oversimplification of public issues in contrast with regularly reading newspapers.

Only A and D stand out a chance.

D is good in the sense that it gives a reason to think that TV news programs give ample unbiased approach, when instead it is about the time readers must devote to digest/understand the news with proper facts. If the passage had mentioned that 30-sec is enough to make judgements then this option had a stronger case, but it is not so.

A gives clear picture that readers are the viewers of TV news programs. Thus, the tendency to think of public issues in oversimplified terms is not increases as it gets balanced out by newspaper reading. Those who don't watch news programs at all are not considered out and thus no bias is left i.e. no oversimplification.

Answer A.

The argument states that regular watching of network television news programs increases the tendency to think of public issues in oversimplified terms because of the format of the programs, while regular newspaper reading maintains the expectation of careful discussion of public issues. We need to find an option that weakens this argument.

Option (A) states that regular watchers of network television news programs are more likely to be habitual readers of newspapers. This weakens the argument because it suggests that individuals who watch television news also engage in newspaper reading, which implies that they are exposed to more detailed discussions of public issues and are not solely reliant on the oversimplified format of television news programs.

Option (B) provides information about the total time devoted to a single topic on television news programs. Although it highlights the limited time available for each viewpoint, it doesn't directly weaken the argument regarding oversimplified thinking.

Option (C) states that the format of network television news programs does not include roundtable discussions among informed proponents of diverse views. This actually supports the argument, as it suggests that there is limited opportunity for careful discussion of public issues on television news.

Option (D) suggests that television news reports devote equal time to discussion of opposing views. While this may promote balance, it doesn't address the issue of oversimplified thinking or the expectation of careful discussion.

Option (E) states that people who watch the most television tend not to be regular readers of newspapers. This supports the argument, as it implies that individuals who primarily rely on television news may be less exposed to the detailed discussions found in newspapers.

Therefore, the option that most seriously weakens the argument is (A) Regular watchers of network television news programs are much more likely than other people to be habitual readers of newspapers.