Cathy Newman found herself at the centre of a 'sexism' storm after a controversial news segment. The veteran broadcaster, 52, returned to the airwaves live from outside No. 10 on Monday (July 20) to discuss the latest Cabinet changes following Andy Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister this week. The former Greater Manchester Mayor has made several major changes in the 48 hours since he took office.
But one of the most notable changes for the news anchor was his lack of a lectern during his opening speech, leaving a staff member missing. She told viewers: "Andy Burnham is a new PM with a new style, but that more relaxed lack of lectern in the street meant the end of a highlight for some Westminster watchers: Hot Podium Guy."
Viewers Accuse Newman of Hypocrisy
The cameras then cut to the news package the mum-of-two had made for the sound engineer, which featured footage of him dragging and rearranging the political lectern outside No. 10. It didn't take long for viewers to flock to social media to share their disappointment with her "sexist" news segment.
One user penned: "If male reporters were talking about the Hot Lectern Girl, you especially, Cathy, would be having kittens and calling it sexism and objectifying women. Seems you want privilege, not equality." Another agreed: "Disgusting to objectify a man like this!" as a third echoed: "Journalism at its finest, eh? Let's see how you'd report a male objectifying a female setting up a podium."
Broadcaster's Recent Move to Sky News
The uproar comes just three months after she started presenting on Sky News. The newsreader took a leap of faith back in April when she decided to bid farewell to rival news station Channel 4 News, where she worked for 15 years. At the end of her final ever show for Channel 4, Cathy interrupted to share a special message. She said: "That's all we have time for this evening, but before we go, I've got one more thing to say. I joined Channel 4 News 20 years ago and began presenting 15 years ago. Tonight is my last programme before I take on a new challenge."
The broadcaster concluded: "It has been an incredible privilege bringing you the news and also working with some of the best and nicest people in television." Express.co.uk has contacted Sky News for a comment.
