Question: Have the news 'anchors' on cable channels...

[debbierlus]

Been dumbed down even more in the past year?

I ask this because I got rid of cable about a year ago. Last week, I was over a friend's and a caught a glimpse of one of the cable new's channels.

A very pretty but vapid woman was reporting. Clearly, she was not a journalist. Her primary purpose seemed to look pretty.

I was over my parent's house over the weekend, and I saw the same scenario. I realize that new's models are not new. But, it seems that they are everywhere now. Does anyone else think that the takeover occurred during the last year? Or, have I just forgotten the way it has always been since I haven't had cable in so long?

[jedicord]

1. No, but their hair spray has gotten stronger.

Still having cable, what I've noticed is that their hair is getting stiffer by the day. They could be in hurricane-force winds and not a strand would stir.

Oh yeah, and the beads on their necklaces are getting bigger and bigger.

But I do like how the dresses they wear color-coordinate with the male anchor's tie.:sarcasm:

[pinto]

2. To be fair, they only read what others write. They may be models,

but what they're selling is no different than selling Gucci, viagra, the latest car, a cell phone, the latest ipod or MSNBC...it's only news if the writers take the time to make it so.

[debbierlus]

4. True. But, it is rather nauseating to watch.

Which is why I don't!

[LSparkle]

3. I keep thinking it's just that I'm getting older but

it seems like they're getting younger and younger and don't have to even APPEAR like they know what they're talking about anymore. And they're obviously not being trained to read copy well or even to modulate their voices -- UGH! There's only one female news reader/anchor on cable who's impressed me in the past few months -- -- Collette Cassidy on MSNBC appears like a pro -- but I haven't seen her on recently ...

[Ksec]

5. Ratings and for profit journalism

The two dont mix. Once you introduce ratings into journalism youve corrupted it. It becomes about broadcasting what you want to hear, or see. If its negative , they dont report it for fear of losing veiwership.

[LSparkle]

6. "Broadcast News" ...

I keep thinking of that smartass blonde who snaps at Holly Hunter during her speech in one of the opening scenes ... They ALL look like that now.