A TELEVISION HOSTESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22356, 29 February 1936, Page 6 (Supplement)

A TELEVISION HOSTESS

FASCINATING NEW CAREER UNSEEN VOICE MADE VISIBLE "Clear, cheerful voice. Average height, well-proportioned, without prominent features; preferably dark eyes. Self-confidence, initiative, tact, and equab)o temperament. Previous stage experienco and ability to pronounce foreign words and names to advantage."

When the 8.8.C. ptit this paragraph into tho classified advertisement columns of London's daily newspapers, tho committee of experts seeking a "Television Hostess" —probably one of tho best jobs offering to women in 1936 —did not count upon receiving many applications, for they considered that tho standard they set was a little too high, says an overseas correspondent.

But more than 3000 prominent actresses, society women and titled women applied in a few days to be either television announcer or television hostess. The salary was not stated, but it is probable that as the woman announcer will be "televised" before a background that will be equal in dimensions to tho average home cine-screen, it is probable that she will have an enviable dress allowance in addition to her salary, because, above all, she must be clothed, in the best possible taste. Her make-up, too, will bo of the utmost importance, as television, like film "shooting," will require a definite range of cosmetics, which -would look impossible for street wear. Although 8.8.C. television officials say frankly that they have much to learn about its technicalities, the studios are being built at Alexandra Palace, on the outskirts of London, and it is rumoured that there both the hostess and woman announcer will.have two of the most luxurious drawingrooms in England, whero they will receive and soothe speakers and performers programmed to appear before the televisor for the first time.

For years announcers at Broadcasting House have noticed how nervous and

fidgety even experienced people are just as they face the microphone. And because thay sense'that an added bewilderment may spoil some of the initial programmes, they are going to be particularly careful when choosing the television hostess. She will have to be a person of rare charm: she will be required to make artists feel utterly at home in the strange now world of television before they enter the sumptuous studios that are being erected. Sho will also bo asked to present bouquets—before tho all-revealing eyes of the televisor —after prominent actresses and other influential women have spoken or sung, so sho will find that poise and presence will be essential if she is to make a success of this fascinating new job opened to women. There is one pcint the 8.8.C. forgot to stress in its precise and enlightening advertisement. Red-heads might as well save themselves the bother of applying, for so far research has not been able to discover a way of flashing titian colouring upon the television screen.