You Are Style: Women In Media (SLIDESHOW)

The busy women who cover our 24-hour news cycle probably don't pause all that often to contemplate the meaning of personal style. But the very nature of their jobs as journalists embodies elements of our You Are Style project here at the Huffington Post. Last February in a panel addressing journalism majors from minority backgrounds at Colorado State University, Channel 9 News anchor TaRhonda Thomas said, "One of the most important qualities of a journalist is their curiosity. We are storytellers; we bring things to life. Everything can be a story."

• • • • • • • • • • • Rachel Maddow

Although Thomas was referring to finding the relevant stories of our communities and lives in an external sense, her words also resonate as a new way of approaching the story of our personal style. While women were once the distinct minority in media, they now dominate many television newsrooms and make up 37 percent of newspaper newsroom staffs. Women also account for two-thirds of enrollment in journalism schools across the country. More and more, the voice of our American media is influenced by a greater diversity of perspective.

So what are their stories? How do women in the media define their sense of style? How has media's increasing intimacy and informality affected our newswomen's style choices over the years? In the weeks ahead, You are Style: Women in Media will begin to explore this topic as one aspect of the You Are Style project.

Comments

[WritingFrontier]

OK, time for everyone reading these posts to read THE definitive piece on women in the media, particularly as it relates to the talking head, anchor roles. See Writing Frontier's "News Vixens" at

http://writingfrontier.com/2008/09/24/news-vixens/

[ljmck]

Hooray for women anchors, but is it their style or is someone else dictating the deep-v necklines? Not that I think we ought to cover up with shirt and tie; just noticing and wondering.

[RochelleRochelle]

I think that the deep v-neck makes their necks look longer and their upper body slimmer. It's just a flattering neckline for most women except for those who are EXTREMELY thin, who might show collarbone shadows, but if the opening were narrow, could (unlike most of us) wear satins and other shiney shirts, jackets and blouses.

It's a sophisticated and vaguely sexy opening without being outrageous and it draws attention to the face. Watch "What Not To Wear."

[jackjack]

you know who bugs me? Alex Witt....I like her because she doesnt seem like a waif-ish sort of lady but something about her reporting iritates me. I like Mika SOMETIMES. Michelle Bernard is strikingly beautiful. Cambell Brown is a serious reporter...I like her too. All the CNN and MSNBC ladies I can take seriously. The Fox barbies...not so much.

[mamiller]

What about campbell brown?

[indyleftist]

You guys seemed to leave out the clearest style trend in cable news

If you look at the women on fox, a large number of them have died their hair blonde and many appear to be wearing blue contact lenses.

[maxwellinformed]

Michelle Bernard is gorgeous.

[cariintexas]

Just as long as it's not chris Jansing or Alex witt. rACHEL AND nORAH ARE GREAT.





Just as long as it's not chris Jansing or Alex Witt. Rachel and Norah are great.

[YellerDawg]

Too much make-up. They all look like drag queens. What's up with that? And their male counterparts are no better. Is there anyone on TV whose face can register a sincere emotion? Botox has immobilized the face of America.

[nikky]

mika is to wishy-washy , or erraticc she don't know what she think until crazy joe tell her

i just love rachel

[kissy kai]

I AGREE DR. MADDOW ROCKS. MIKA IS JUST LIKE SP JUST WINDOW DRESSING.

[ConnieINSoCal]

I've got to say that Nora O'Donnell is my fave--great newswoman, smart, tough, but also beautiful with a great laugh and sense of style. Yes, Rachel is awesome, too. Mika rolls her eyes at Joe too much--not that he doesn't deserve it!

[dawlishgal]

Mika is unfortunate to be stuck on a show that is run by a bully. If I were treated the way she is...can't get a word in edgewise....what else but role her eyes can she do? Oh yeah, she could QUIT!

[GirlsRule]

Quit "that" because of "that".

[PersonaNonGrated]

Yes, I know it makes me a pig, but I have to admit that I've always had a thing for Mika. She's very easy on my eyes.

Yes, yes. I'm a pig. Yes, respected equally as a journalist. Yes, I get all that. I'm with you. All the way. Equal pay for equal work, too.

Still, I like to look at Mika, but I get my news from Rachel.

[Jaida]

Robin Roberts!!! What a woman of courage and professionalism in the face of the realities of life. AND Rachel Maddow!! Pro'fess'ion'al"!!!

[angelbravo]

I really think alot of Mika but, I wish shw would distance herself from Joe. He's a hack not a newsperson like Mika

[Hank007]

I have a HUGE crush on Erin Burnett! She rocks! Rachel has the best show, and would be the most interesting dinner guest. Erin is with whom I would most want to spend Sunday.

[PrefersTruth]

Rachel rocks! (Think she would ever consider doing Meet the Press???) She is so professional and KNOWS how to ask AND answer questions; the tough ones! She is able to be fair and unbiased in my opinion and she gives younger women something to aspire to become!

Mika on the other hand is riding my last nerve! She is so Chris Matthew's like!!!! She disappoints me enough to stop watching Morning Joe; she's too bias and sounds like only her opinion matters. I wish she could emulate a bit of Rachel's humbleness and be more lady-like instead of trying to hang with the boys.... Someone please remind her that women are just as powerful as men; its' not WHAT you say.... it's HOW you say it! (Voting for Palin because she's a woman??? I thought you were smarter than that Mika)

[GirlsRule]

Me tooooooo....

[jackjack]

I thought this when Tim died. Rachel ROCKS. After seeing her show..Im all the more convinced. Even with her strong liberal bias, she wants to give the other side the chance to answer if they can 'talk her down'.