Final answer:
A media executive may defend superficial coverage of political news by arguing it aligns with the audience's preferences and generates higher viewership. Limited resources and time constraints can also be used as justifications for prioritizing attention-grabbing aspects of the campaigns.
Step-by-step explanation:
A media executive may defend the superficial coverage of political news by arguing that it is what the audience wants. They may claim that citizens are more interested in the drama and spectacle of the campaigns rather than the substantive issues. The executive may argue that providing in-depth coverage on candidates' issue positions and policies does not generate as much interest or viewership.
Moreover, the executive may argue that limited resources and time constraints force the media to prioritize coverage of the most attention-grabbing aspects of the campaigns. They may claim that covering the colorful personalities, blunders, and scandals is necessary to attract viewers and readers.
Ultimately, the media executive's defense of superficial coverage may center around the argument that they are catering to the demands and preferences of their audience, which in turn drives ratings and revenue.