Last week the National Press Club hosted a debate between Democracy Now!’s co-host Juan Gonzalez, who serves as the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and William McGowan, author of “Coloring the News: How Crusading For Diversity Has Corrupted American Journalism.”

The debate stemmed from a controversy that began when the National Press Club gave its prestigious Arthur C. Rouse media criticism award to McGowan for his book “Coloring the News: How Crusading for Diversity Has Corrupted American Journalism.”

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists immediately protested the award.

Soon after the National Press Club sent an unusual letter to both organizations that defended the choice of McGowan but also highlighted some of the main criticisms.

Gonzalez requested that McGowan appear at the Press Club for a televised debate.

Guests:

• Juan Gonzalez, president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Daily News columnist and Democracy Now! co-host.
• William McGowan, author of “Coloring the News: How Crusading for Diversity Has Corrupted American Journalism.”
• Terrence Smith, moderator, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.