Is there pressure to be pretty in the broadcast field?

[Tamara-B]

Many things from the modeling industry, Hollywood, beauty pageants, popularity, and people's perceptions can put pressure on girls to be beautiful. 

In comes anorexia, bulimia, Botox, diet pills, insane chronic workouts, staring at the mirror all day picking out every single flaw, more makeup, less makeup, the right clothes, the right hair color, "tanorexia," hair extensions, air brushing, tummy tucks, waxing, and a lot more madness. 

All to achieve one goal: beauty. 

I understand that industries based on how you look seek beauty, but does the same apply in the broadcast field? 

There are several famous female anchors from La La Anthony, Vanessa Lacey, Rachel Maddow, Savannah Guthrie, Robin Meade, Andrea Mitchell, Andrea Mitchell, and Robin Roberts to name a few. 

I've noticed they all have something in common besides their on-air charisma, they are all gorgeous. They all look like they work out everyday and could be the object of any young man's desire. Though some have wrinkles, they are aging quite gracefully. 

However, who knows whether female anchors battle with the same demons when it comes to being in front of the camera. Do they feel the same intense pressure actors and models feel? 

Do looks play a large role in being hired along with their winning personalities? 

I thought of this when I saw recordings of myself. I was horrified by my forehead, neck bones, and few blemishes. 

So, at times, is their pressure put on women in the broadcast industry to be these sex symbols for the news? Does beauty matter so much? 

What do you think? 

[BridgeTroll]

Lots of jobs available in radio...

[Debbie Thompson]

It isn't just broadcasting and it isn't just women. Studies show that good looking people make more money and get more promotions than equally qualified not so good looking people.

[mtraininjax]

The chick who is the Batchelorette, her forehead NEVER wrinkles, so if she is a Botox beauty, would ABC consider selling BOTOX ads on the program? Is a TV personality expected to look perfect on TV? Methinks so.

[sandyshoes]

Of course they have to be pretty...but some do come off very fake, as well.  Calls to mind one of my favorite lines from Steel Magnolias, at a party - there are a group of newscasters over in a corner, and while one of the leads is waving to them, she mutters, to her chums, "we call 'em the Cream Cheese People". 

[fsujax]

Of course, just take a look at the Weather Channel and Rebecca Berry (weather girl) on Channel 4!