WPIX Editorial, "More on the Indian Museum" (Richard N. Hughes), 1986 

Richard Hughes wasn't an anchor for the station but an executive. At times he was Vice President of Community Affairs, Vice President/general manager, and then Senior Vice President. The difference about this and today's news channels is that today, they don't ask "What's your opinion? We'd like to know". They present their views as if they are the authority. You might also remember the editorial feedbacks where he reads letters sent in. This definitely doesn't happen today. I imagine if there are emails, the senders get back automated responses if anything. But given that most television these days is le-localized (broadcast syndication being all but dead ), there are few stations that would take the time to delve into local (in this case New York; and it's worth remembering that this guy was nobody outside of the NY area. Those other stations had their own Richard Hughes figures who probably did similar things, only later at night.) issues. Also, I appreciate the sober and unpretentious presentation of those WPIX editorials. There is none of the sensationalism or obnoxious grandstanding that plagues today's news. This editorial concerned a comparatively low key issue that would have gotten lost today amongst the midst of controversy, celebrity scandals and political circusing.

@@zemxxi2765 I agree with you that the Richard N. Hughes segments were quite sober and were devoid of grandstanding or pretentiousness. The key and probably the most important point was asking "What is your opinion? We'd like to know." It makes me a bit sad that in today's day and age, people would give their opinions almost immediately on social media --- I think the time buffer of people actually having to sit down and write their thoughts and then mail it--- weeded out a lot of "ill-conceived" or knee jerk emotional opinions.