subdued sartorial and acting codes

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have difficulty in understanding the underlined sentences and phrases. Could anyone do me a favor?

The newsreader or news anchor is a special kind of star supported by subdued sartorial and acting codes that convey sincerity. Taken to an extreme, this can lead to 'Ken and Barbie' journalism where the charge is made that physical attractiveness of the anchor team is taking precedence over their competence as journalists.

Thank you.

 

[RonBee]

It says that the newsreader is an actor more than journalist. ("Sartorial" has to do with clothing.) Ken and Barbie are popular dolls in the USA. Supposedly, they represent ideal images of male and female.

Does that help?

 

[Tdol]

Ken and Barbie implies people chosen for their looks rather than their brains- the triumph of style over substance. ;-)