Notes

* Saks Inc. said Wednesday that its Saks Fifth Avenue department stores will provide on-air attire for as many as 14 of CNBC’s male news anchors. No money changed hands in the deal, which Saks hopes will raise its profile among the cable network’s viewers. But some observers said having news anchors double as fashion models poses conflict-of-interest concerns. “It raises questions about their independence in reporting on fashion and the retailer that provided the clothing,” said Steve Geimann, former chair of the Society of Professional Journalists’ ethics committee. Geimann said he is unaware of similar arrangements involving a cable news or broadcast network.