By now, most of us have seen this viral video of local news anchor, Jennifer Livingston, responding to a viewer's letter criticizing her for being fat. The WKBT anchor took a couple of minutes yesterday (Oct 2, 2012) during her morning newscast to address the viewer's complaint and she's been giving local and national interviews ever since.
Since October is National Bullying Month Livingston also used the on-air response to reprimand the person writing for exhibiting bullying behavior that could set a bad example for kids. She says she hopes her response to the email will serve to raise awareness of bullying behavior which Livingston says is "passed down from people like the man who wrote me that email....If you are at home and talking about the fat news lady, guess what? Your children are probably going to go to school and call someone fat."
When I first saw the video, I thought wow! good for her for standing up to the criticism. But then I listened again and changed my mind when Livingston went on to say this "To the person who wrote me that letter — do you think I don't know that? That your cruel words are pointing out something that I don't see?" Livingston asked in response. "You don't know me. You are not a friend of mine. You are not a part of my family. And you have admitted that you don't watch this show. So you know nothing about me but what you see on the outside. And I am much more than a number on the scale."
I think Livingston has given to much power to this viewer's email which definitely hit a nerve with her. Anyone who chooses to be an on-air personality should understand they are going to be criticized for one thing or another. There is always someone (including management) looking over your shoulder telling you what to wear, how to style your hair and definitely when you gain a few pounds. Television is a visual medium. When you are an on-air talent the unspoken rule is that you are responsible for keeping yourself "visually attractive." Management is putting you on air as their "brand" and viewers choose to watch you and hear what you have to say at that moment, usually because they like what they see and/or hear. If viewers don't like you or what you have to say they will tell you and with the power of social media, praise and criticism will come in all forms including emails, Tweets, Facebook postings and Youtube videos etc. How you choose to handle it says a lot.
This particular viewer sent the email directly to Livingston. Then her husband, a fellow newscaster, posted it on Facebook for more people to see and then Jennifer Livingston goes on local television to address it and finally it makes national news.
I think Jennifer should have handled it differently. She could have responded and kept the email between her and the viewer, or just ignored it. Remember the quote above where Livingston said "You don't know me. You are not a friend of mine. You are not a part of my family. And you have admitted that you don't watch this show. So you know nothing about me but what you see on the outside. And I am much more than a number on the scale." Right, he does not know you. So, why does it matter what this viewer thinks, but more importantly why take it to the airwaves? I'm sure this viewer is not the first person to write in and complain about Ms. Livingston's story choice, hair color, outfit or weight- and he won't be the last. (By the way, ask any on-air personality out there if it is okay to gain weight for the camera.)
When discussing the story with my aunt who loudly disagreed with me, she said "Why should Livingston have a direct email exchange with the viewer. Why not tell the world? There are other fat people out there and she is speaking up for them. Fat people should not have to endure criticism of their weight. I think we have more fat people in the world why bother them. I don't like the way she (Livingston) is being treated." Well my aunt told me off! Auntie made a good point. However everyday overweight people are not paid to be on-air as a "visually attractive" brand.
I believe for now, Livingston has successfully taken the spotlight off her weight problem and refocused it on overweight children and adults who are being bullied. The bullying issue is important.
Livingston in thanking friends, family and colleagues, said "I will never be able to thank you enough for your words of support, and for taking a stand against this bully. We are better than that email. We are better than the bullies that will try to take us down."For now it's great publicity for Livingston and WKBT. Maybe it's true that there is no such thing as bad publicity.
But what happens during the other 11months of the year when a viewer writes in attacking her for the same problem?
Finally, should news anchor Jennifer Livingston handled the situation differently? What do you think?
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TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an Emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and is currently a member of the James Beard Broadcast and New Media Awards Committee. If you are a brand interested in blogger outreach campaigns, a blogger or personality interested in television placement follow Debbie Mitchell @TVProducerDeb or contact TheBloggerConnection.com.
More Ready4Air:
I see your point, but I think she handled it well and she represents the plus sized women who are making a change in the media! More power to her!
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