I have never understood the male obsession with female TV news anchors. But, even without understanding it, I do understand why sometimes people who are less qualified for that position get the job. When you are on the radio, it does not matter how you look. When you are writing, no one is staring at you. But on TV, appearance does matter. While it may be a cheap way to get viewers, having attractive news anchors works. They also may get hired due to the way the human brain works. People perceive someone who is more attractive and symmetrical as being smarter and having better social skills. This has been known as the "halo effect". Beauty can influence whether someone will get hired and it can influence how much they are paid. On TV, it is necessary to capture the audience and keep viewers watching. This will have an effect on ratings and how much people are paid. So while hiring the better looking person may not seem ethical, it can be beneficial.
When it comes down to how much someone is paid. Those who have above-average looks usually are paid more. This is called the "beauty premium" and it is especially true in professions where someone needs to keep the "client", or audience in this case, interested. They can earn around 5% more than their colleagues. The below-average looking people are subject to the "plainness penalty" and can be paid around 9% less than their more attractive colleagues. Age, weight, height, and how symmetrical and appealing to the eye people are can really influence their luck in the work force. When it comes to TV journalism, it is very obvious.
And now...a clip about my favorite tv show about a girl trying to make it in the world of journalism...and she got a makeover...go figure!
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