“They Were All Chosen on Tinder": How Journalists Perceive Female Appearance Pressure on News Professionals

This study departs from feminist media studies to examine how gendered appearance pressures shape the professional practices of television news journalists during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a regular practice. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with male and female journalists, the research reveals persistent aesthetic expectations that disproportionately affect women. While male journalists generally face minimal scrutiny regarding their appearance, female journalists are subject to stringent aesthetic standards, which are not equally applied to their male counterparts. These pressures not only increase safety risks for women during the pandemic due to mask removal for make-up application, but also perpetuate gender biases within the newsroom. Additionally, findings highlight that these aesthetic expectations often impact women's career advancement, as some female journalists are chosen based on appearance rather than merit. By challenging the notion of meritocracy within journalism, this research advocates for inclusive standards that prioritise skills over appearance, fostering equitable work environments that value professional contributions regardless of gender.