The correct response is:
The extent of the problem would be lost on readers because they would not receive all the data.
Reversing the order of paragraphs 3 and 4 would likely confuse readers. The statistics presented in paragraph 4 are crucial in establishing a factual basis for the article's claims about the lack of leadership by women and racial minorities in journalism. Without these statistics coming first, readers may not fully grasp the extent of the issue, which impairs their understanding of the problem being discussed. Therefore, the logical flow of presenting data first and then discussing its implications is essential for clarity and comprehension.