BBC host criticises ‘weather girl’ stereotype amidst allegations of sexism and misogyny
A BBC weather presenter has strongly criticized the perpetuation of the 'weather girl' stereotype, citing experiences of enduring 'casual sexism and misogyny'.
Sam Fraser, who identifies herself as a ‘presenter, writer, comedian, time waster’ on her social media, has shared her astonishment upon stepping in as a standby weather presenter on BBC South in 2012.
Initially flattered by the attention she garnered, Sam soon found it exasperating, particularly upon discovering that her posterior had become the focal point of an online fan club.
“I had no inkling that, within a fortnight of my inaugural appearance, my derrière would boast an online fan club, and I’d find myself featured on a social media channel titled ‘Babes of Britain,'” she revealed.
“At first, I must confess, I was flattered… but delving into the discussions about me – my chubby arms, muscular calves, and other anatomical observations – swiftly put an end to that.”
Expressing her shock at the ‘fetishisation’ of the ‘weather girl’ concept, Sam delved into online searches to comprehend the extent of the phenomenon.
“It led me to corners of the internet I hadn’t previously encountered. It unveiled a realm of casual sexism and misogyny, a lingering consequence of the term,” she explained in an interview with Radio Times.
“The notion of the ‘weather girl’ as an object of desire perpetuates a persistent and harmful stereotype.
“As long as this term remains in circulation, it contributes to a culture that permits the demeaning, humiliating, and objectifying of individuals,” she emphasised.
In addition to her role as a BBC presenter, she is also a comedian who delved into the subject during her 2018 Edinburgh Fringe show, ‘Stand Up, Weather Girl!’
She is now delving deeper into the issue with a new Radio 4 documentary titled ‘Scorchio! The Story of the Weather Girl.’
Sam went on to elaborate on the multifaceted nature of weather presenters, emphasizing that they are more than just “dolly filler.” Many of them hold qualifications in meteorology and have experience working with prestigious organizations such as the Met Office, the RAF, and Nasa.
“At its core, the role is fundamentally about communication. The best meteorologist may not necessarily be the most adept communicator,” she explained.
“Presenting the weather is essentially about narrating a compelling story.
“Many viewers may not realise that we deliver our presentations without the aid of Autocue. Additionally, we receive directions through our earpieces, always ready to seamlessly fill an extra thirty seconds. It’s a job that demands high-level cognitive functioning.”
View this post on Instagram
This week, she elaborated on how the project marked a ‘small victory’ amid a challenging personal year.
“Numerous friends have backed my comedy and are aware that one aspect I’ve delved into is the role of the ‘weather girl.’
“I hadn’t grasped, until I undertook the role myself, the weight associated with the term – how it’s wielded to undermine credibility and to subject individuals to objectification and sexualisation.”
She proceeded to express gratitude to the ‘remarkable women who confront these challenges daily.’
