A Face For Radio

[andy-hughes]

You often hear the phrase 'a face for radio' when referring to those presenters on TV who are not necessarily sprayed with evolution's aftershave.

It's a fair point.

Plenty of people have been hugely successful on radio, but less so on TV - either because they realise themselves that TV is not for them - as in Steve Wright, or the viewers make it clear by not watching - as in Chris Moyles.

But I confess myself baffled by the use of some individuals who have neither a face for TV, or a voice for radio, but still find presenting roles.

Those who spring to mind are -

Mark Lawson - sounds like an adenoidal computer nerd, looks like a profile off Crime Watch

Adrian Chiles - sounds like a gormless Brummie in a pub, looks like a sulky child

Robert Peston - sounds like frankly no-one else on TV or radio, looks like a terrified electrical retail manager

Melvyn Bragg - sounds like an adenoidal librarian, looks like a faded gigolo.

Any thoughts?

[gingejbee]

I try to never judge people by how they look or sound...difficult sometimes I know.

[Postdog]

Yeah....descriptions a bit rude maybe, lol.

[andy-hughes]

Postdog - "Yeah....descriptions a bit rude maybe ..."

Only a bit???

Trust me, as someone who could put their picture over the mantelpiece to keep the kids away from the fire, I have no qualms about having a pop at people on TV or radio.

[andy-hughes]

gingejbee - "I try to never judge people by how they look or sound..."

then you are in the minority.

People in public entertainment arenas accept criticism like mine as part of the job - and my descriptions are not intended to be vicious, and certainly not to be seen by those referred to in my OP.

[Tilly2]

Robert Peston does have strange intonation and can be very irritating to listen to. However, he does talk sense and I find his explanations of financial matters easy to understand. He doesn't blind you with mumbo jumbo.

[-Talbot-]

Any thoughts?

Yes, If this was posted by some other ABers, they would take a bit of a bashing for it.


Why on earth does Lawro look like ... http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/58Wdsb8FKdhTWWNBHGRLsLf/wanted-faces

[andy-hughes]

Talbot - "Yes, If this was posted by some other ABers, they would take a bit of a bashing for it."

Not sure what your point is?

If you feel that I am somewhat immune from 'bashing', I can assure you I am anything but! I have received a right monstering on the News Section for perceived pomposity and superior views!!

[ummmm]

I don't tend to really notice how someone looks. I don't really care as long as they're good at their job.

I find Tess Daily (sp) to be not a very good presenter and I could never figure out the fuss about Susannah 'is the camera focused on me' Reid.

[andy-hughes]

In view of the responses, I perhaps should reiterate the thrust of my OP - all the people I have listed have now, or in the past, obtained roles on both radio and television while, in my personal opinion, having none of the suitable credentials - a suitable voice and appearance and / or both.

That is why I wonder how they obtain their positions, when a pleasing appearance is usually necessary for long-term television success, and a pleasing voice is necessary for radio - these have neither!

[-Talbot-]

I don't see anything wrong with a bit of celeb bashing, andy.
My point is that some posters don't like it but are not consistent in showing their disapproval, it seems to depend on the postee. (I might have just made that word up)

[Mrsspagnoli57]

Probably Melvyn Bragg and Robert Peston get positions on TV and radio has more to do with their intelligence than appearance? Have to agree with your assessments of 'Lawro' and Adrian C both are major irritants. There seems to be plenty of 'celebs' littering our screens who have the 'face' for TV but little else to recommend them-Simon Cowell,Cheryl Cole,Sharon Osbourne....I could go on.

[vulcan42]

I agree, it's a great pity Steve Wright didn't consider himself unsuitable for the radio as well. As for the ubiquitous Jeremy Vine, he becomes more obnoxious every day.

[weecalf]

I blame the beeb ,prob under some contract where its cheaper to loose the viewers/listeners that have to pay them off off .Was there football before whats his face even worse out the moustache .Gave up football since him,.hanson likener .and whats his face that played for the second club from north london

[-Talbot-]

Don't know why but have had a bit of a Mr Diamond day today.

[-Talbot-]

oh crap (thanks goodgoalie)

[Togo]

Haha to be continued.........ad infinitum. Spotted Goalie. Back o the net in fact. :))