These seven videos examine the debut of Katie Couric on CBS and how the majority of media reviews focused on Couric’s image presentation rather than news content.

More than any other topic, Couric’s style and on-camera look dominated most discussions.  And of course, that discussion particularly revolved around her face.  These are bad enough, but oddly, this review illustrates the disconnection between reality and mediated image construction. Botox?  These discussions assume the on-air image of Couric is REAL. This entire segment discounts “production value” – make-up and lighting…and MSNBC and CNBC often have bad studio lighting.

Network news lighting is an exacting art; every attempt is made to flatten and soften by employing various types of light and multiple angles.  How can analysts or viewers not recognize this? No one with media savy appears –willingly– on camera without stylistic help. Still don’t get it?  Now watch Barbara Boxer again.

Every TV anchor goes to great lengths to enhance their media image.  And who can blame them? Media teaches us that at every turn.  We live in a picture-perfect world.

Consider visual literacy and grow better media communication.