I asked you if you believe a TV reporter saying AR-15 as opposed to shotgun causes more people to tune in and you said no. In fact, you thought it was offensive that I even suggested such. Therefore, you agree that a TV reporter saying AR-15 does not increase viewership.
Kindly quote, because I'm not seeing where that took place. I always maintained that saying AR-15 would increase viewership. The only time I used the word "no" is when I responded "No conspiracy, ...".
I never said news reports aren't marketed and I never said headlines aren't designed to grab attention. Those are straw men you built. AR-15 headlines may grab more attention over the entire life cycle of an event but when it comes to disseminating information during a breaking event, AR-15 vs. shotgun will have negligible effect if any. It is a minor detail during a time when there are much bigger questions that people want answers to.
The bolded statement implies that you think people will run to the TV/PC to get more info if they hear that AR-15 was involved but will not if they hear that a shotgun is involved. It implies that viewers will click on a headline that says "mass shooting in progress, perp. is using an AR-15," but will not click on a link that says "mass shooting in progress, perp. is using a shotgun."
I don't think they'll run anywhere, but I disagree that the effect is negligible.
Probable difference in reactions:
"mass shooting in progress, perp is using a shotugun"
"Oh shit, another mass shooting."
"mass shooting in progress, perp is using an AR-15."
"Oh shit, another Sandy Hook."
Subtle but significant difference. One connects to a narrative of vauge "mass shootings", the other connects to a narrative of slaughtered children. The latter will draw more viewership.