Faces of the news
OPINIONATED: “I think the mainstream media ... are increasingly accepting that there’s nothing wrong with opinion-based journalism if it is also fact-based at the same time,” says
Maria Bartiromo
Network: CNBC
When: 1993-present
She’s considered so sexy, Joey Ramone wrote a song in her honor called “Maria Bartiromo.” The song features lyrics such as “I watch you on TV every single day / Those eyes make everything OK/ I watch her every day / I watch her every night / She’s really out of sight.” (Mat Szwajkos / Getty Images)
Paula Zahn
Network: CNN
When: 2001-2007
Even ads for Zahn’s then-show “American Morning” called the journalist “sexy.” After much criticism that they were inappropriate, the ads were pulled, but it didn’t change what people had in their heads: Paula Zahn is hot. (Mark Mainz / Getty Images)
Rachel Maddow
Network: MSNBC
When: 2005
Rachel Maddow is the first openly gay/lesbian anchor to host a prime-time news program, and she also hosts a syndicated radio program on Air America Radio. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Katie Couric
Network: CBS
When: 2006
Known to some as ‘America’s little sister,’ Couric’s appealling onscreen persona made her extremely popular. But on her 15th anniversary as permanent co-host of “Today” in 2006, Couric announced her decision to leave the network and become the anchor of the CBS Evening News. The move made her the first female to solo anchor an evening network newscast in history. (Richard Drew / Associated Press)