A recent survey by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) claimed that female television anchors in Los Angeles are paid 28 percent less than men, implying that the difference in pay is due to discrimination. But jumping to that conclusion requires one to hurdle some inconvenient facts.

The AFTRA study excludes the three largest network affiliates in Los Angeles, KABC, KCBS, and KNBC, which pay anchorwomen more than other stations in the city. AFTRA's study reflects only the salaries at stations such as the Fox affiliate, KTTV, the Warner Brothers affiliate, KTLA, and KCAL.

Second, television audiences favor male broadcasters. Talent consultant Don Fitzpatrick confirms that "the male anchor is now the hottest commodity in the business." But according to The Television Rundown, 250 out of 300 anchors and reporters trying to enter the business are young women.

Since talented male anchors are already in short supply and in great demand, with many nearing retirement age, they are commanding higher salaries. Further, the number of consecutive years spent in front of the camera is also a significant factor in determining a newscaster’s salary, regardless of gender. Indeed, the on-air life span of female newscasters lags behind their male counterparts. Consider also those responsible for paying the salaries of TV anchors.

The producer is responsible for all aspects of the television production process, including the selection and salary of the newscasters. Remarkably, nearly two-thirds of news producers are women. In New York, the nation’s largest TV market, women run half of the competitive local TV newsrooms. These female news producers are not biased against women; like their male counterparts, their hiring and compensation practices are based on what they believe the audience wants.

Television relies on sales for success. The newscasters who garner higher ratings—whether male or female—also generate more revenue for a station. Those who generate more revenue deserve more pay. For example, the Los Angeles Times reported that the salary of Ann Martin, an anchorwoman at KCBS Channel 2, dropped from $1.7 million annually because of a plunge in the station’s ratings. Still, women are making progress and, in some areas, dominating the news business.

According to the Missouri School of Journalism, women have already shattered the glass ceiling in some parts of the field. In 1972, a paltry three of the 630 news directors were female. In 1994, half of news anchors were women. The role of women in TV journalism will continue to expand.

Years ago women were barred from many trades and vocations but since then they have won major battles for opportunity in the workplace. Women now may choose to enter nearly any segment of the workforce. Or they may choose to raise a family. A woman’s salary is a reflection of her choices—in education, career, and family.

In most cases, viewer preference, ratings, and consecutive years spent in the workforce have more to do with the salaries of television anchors than gender discrimination. Instead of portraying themselves as victims, women should be telling the whole story and preserving this freedom to follow their own choices. Opportunities arise out of freedom, not misrepresentation of the facts.

– Laura Dykes

Public Policy Fellow