01 January 2024 , 21:10
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Some BBC weather presenters have spoken out about the 'judging' and misogyny' they've experienced in their jobs and admitted to feeling 'objectified' on TV.
The meteorologists have revealed they're being judged for their looks and harassed online and on the streets. The women have shared some of their horrifying experiences, including the time one of them was sent a sex toy through the mail while another presenter claims she'd been catcalled by fans.
Sam Fraser, who has worked in the industry for more than a decade, predominately for BBC South Today since 2012, revealed that during her early career, she spent months preparing for her first broadcasting role and wanted nothing more than to be considered a serious journalist. However, she was left mortified after learning her "a*** had its own online fan club".
"After all the time pouring over pressure charts and learning about climate subtypes, heck I even built a home weather station, I kind of assumed I would be. But within a fortnight of appearing on screen my a*** had its own online fan club and had featured on a YouTube channel called Babes of Britain" she told MailOnline.
BBC presenter Kawser Quamer (PA)Fellow BBC presenter Kawser Quamer revealed says she still can't believe some of these websites that are degrading to women exist. She also insists that the treatment of women in the profession is putting others off from embarking on their careers.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
"I hope to be seen as a trusted, respected broadcaster, so when you see yourself objectified and when you hear about these websites when you are judged on your looks alone when you worked really hard to get there, it is difficult."
While having the right qualification is essential, according to BBC weather presenter Sara Thornton, having the right look is also key. She told Business Insider last year: "Normally, they've been a journalist or a meteorologist, but sometimes, you get people who are neither. They were just deemed attractive enough to be on TV."
"But it's an incredibly difficult job. We have to take an extremely complicated field of science and explain it in a way in which the layperson at home will understand and make it relevant to them."
Perhaps one of the most well-known ITV presenters in the profession, Sian Lloyd confessed she finds the term 'weather girl' degrading. "Male adults are never called weather-boys they are always called men - which kind of implies we are not fully grown up, we are not as authoritative as men and maybe do not have the credibility or confidence, this is the perception, when of course we do."
*If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.