In think, in many ways, this situation summarizes the differences in how whites and blacks percieve actions around them.

For the sake of argument, let's assume the two candidates are differently but equally well qualified. Burton is an intelligent, well known black man with no game show experience, while Richards is an intelligent, unknown white man with extensive game show experience.

For the sake of the argument, let's just assume that's a tie, and then ask, "Why didn't Burton get the job?"

Black Americans seem to immediately assume "racism", while White Americans seem to immediately assume that the decision was made on the experience qualification. IOW, one group assumes racism, while the other assumes anything but racism, as long as there's another variable in the hiring equation one can point to.

Who's right? Don't know, but if the studio execs have reason to believe that advertising money would be lower with a black host, then you have your answer.