November 14th 2023.
BBC weather presenter Sam Fraser has spoken out about the sexism she's faced in her profession. Sam, who also works as a writer, comedian, and time waster, was shocked when she first began presenting for BBC South in 2012.
"At first, I was flattered by the attention I received," she said. "But then I found out about an online fan club dedicated to my bum and a social media channel called Babes of Britain. It opened my eyes to a world of casual sexism and misogyny that is the continuing legacy of the term 'weather girl'."
When Sam looked up the phrase online, she was surprised at how "fetishised" it had become. As a result, she's been exploring the stereotype through her comedy, most recently in her 2018 Edinburgh Fringe show, Stand Up, Weather Girl!, and her new Radio 4 documentary, Scorchio! The Story of the Weather Girl.
Sam also wanted to make it clear that being a weather presenter requires more than just looking good: "At its heart, the role is one about communication. The best meteorologist won't automatically be the best communicator. It's a job which requires high-level brain functioning. Presenting the weather is about telling a good story."
She expressed her appreciation for the many women who battle sexism in their professions every day, saying it was a "teeny triumph" in the "midst of a difficult year personally".
Do you agree with Sam Fraser's views on the 'weather girl' stereotype? Have your say in the comments.
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