"Welcome to 'Today's Black News', I'm your host Ron. Let's take a look at today's first headline about the black community..."
Tommy watched the television screen expressionlessly. On screen, a well-dressed black male host in a suit, clear in speech and organized in thought, was delivering the news.
This was a screen test recording BT Television had made to select hosts for its news programs.
"Next tape." Tommy didn't wait for the completion of the first headline before he decisively spoke.
Martin hurried to the television, swapping in a new tape for Tommy.
This time, the host on screen was a black female. She didn't even get a chance to say the program's name; Tommy simply waved his hand dismissively, signaling to Martin to switch again after just glancing at the well-made-up black woman.
"Boss, this is the last tape. We've gone through all seventeen audition tapes already," Martin said, removing the tape from the player and shaking it in his hand to remind Tommy.
