It's cover for the increasing editorialization of 'news.' Reporter wants to say something about 'I bet WFH will have negative impacts on white collar workers."

It's cover for the increasing editorialization of 'news.' Reporter wants to say something about 'I bet WFH will have negative impacts on white collar workers." Their options are: 1) Do data-driven research and come up with a dry, sort-of-compelling article about recent data releases that doesn't get traction 2) Use a 'famous for being right in a big way' celebrity to 'launder' their idea.