Nieman Lab reports on studies (by Elia Powers) that show journalists often assume that their primary audience is white. This assumption shapes marketing strategies and editorial decisions. Less attention has been paid to how the imagined audience influences journalists’ appearance and vocal delivery.
“If people can’t get past your look, they aren’t going to hear a word you say,” an image consultant commented. Journalists who distract audiences don’t last long on air, many advisers noted, though one commented, “if the content is interesting, you forget about whatever the heck was distracting you.”
Some people are distracted by something as simple as a shade of lipstick.
Laynie Erickson & Ava Wainhouse (KNDO-KNDU, Richland-Tricities-Yakima)
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October 25, 2024 at QZVX
Lou Robbins says:
Open the news with the top story. As you speak, your co-anchor will bob her head in agreement with what you are saying; Now, your co-anchor takes the second half of the intro to the story, you bob your head in agreement as you stare into the camera.
Yeah, that is annoying. I don’t remember Huntley & Brinkley playing that game. But I suppose today’s viewers need to be lead by the nose as to how to grasp what the talking heads are telling them.
Too much of this and I turn it off and listen to a podcast.
October 26, 2024 at QZVX
Fred Dowell says:
Ryan Sims KOMO4 annoying to watch
Bobble head all the time plus hands moving all the time
Denise Whittaker is another