SamSaid!

BROADCAST JOURNALISM

     A few weeks back, Paula Zahn jumped from Fox to CNN. The move really didn't create headlines, but several comments were made to the effect that CNN wanted to add a little more sex appeal to its lineup of commentators, and Ms Zahn fit the bill. CNN stoutly denied that motive, and the feminists were outraged by the assumption (accusation ?) that Ms Zahn's sex appeal outweighed her journalistic skills. When I read about the latter reaction, I either choked or laughed and spilled coffee on the sports page. Fortunately it was on the NBA standings so no harm was done.

     Let's face it  –  Ms Zahn is a very attractive lady. The feminists must be totally oblivious to the game being played by the network and cable channels  i.e., “Our good-looking talking heads are better looking than your good-looking talking heads”. Anyone flipping from channel to channel can hardly miss it. Not only do the broadcasters  feature a pretty face, nice smile, even teeth,  and a stylish hair-do, but from time to time a cheesecake camera angle treats the viewer to a generous expanse of well rounded thigh. Ms. Zahn qualifies on all counts.

     You may as well face it, ladies, TV journalism is not for plain-janes or homelies. Maybe accounting or engineering, but not TV. An extensive vocabulary and good writing skills will take you a long way, but good looks gets you a job. For example, take the case of Greta Van Susteren. In a move that some might describe as “tit-for-tat” (possibly an inappropriate term) she moved from CNN to Fox, stopping along the way for a major facial upgrading. Big change. Greta is not my favorite commentator and I do not share her enthusiasm for the Church (so-called) of Scientology, but she sure knows the rules of TV journalism. Take a look and decide for yourself!!