Why is Minow critical of the television tendency to choose programming based solely on its popularity?

Newton Minow, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 1961 to 1963, criticized the television industry for its focus on popularity-based programming. He believed that this approach resulted in a lack of diverse and high-quality content. Minow argued that television had a responsibility to provide programming that informed, educated, and entertained viewers. He also emphasized the importance of airing programming that reflected the diversity of the American population. By prioritizing popularity alone, Minow believed that television networks were failing to meet their public service obligations.