Mass media and Supermodels

Jody Palmer

Mass media greatly influences lifestyle, trend and fashion. Celebrities and common people both rely on media for new trends in fashion. Supermodels would not be supermodels if not for the influence of mass media. Celebrities wouldn't be recognized if their faces and names were not seen on television and ads, or heard on the radio. German model and actress Claudia Schiffer stated, "In order to become a supermodel one must be on all the covers all over the world at the same time so that people can recognize them". Celebrities depend on media for them to be recognized and for their stardom. On the other hand, the common people rely on mass media for new trends and to be “in" with what's new in fashion and pop culture. Mass media plays a role in depicting one's self image and perspective. For example, many women wanted to be thin because models are commonly seen in televisions as thin. Given the messages aimed at women through the mass media, it is not surprising that many women desire to be thin and that women typically feel dissatisfied with their bodies.

Jody Palmer

Proof that mass media has an impact on modeling are various reality-based talent searches, highly publicized beauty contests, and the trend in online modeling agencies. Famous supermodels Tyra Banks and Janice Dickinson both host reality-based model search shows. Tyra co-produced and hosts The Search for America's Next Top Model while Janice Dickinson has The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency show. Both have an excellent viewer rating. Magazines and online media also conduct model searches and contests. Maxim Magazine, for example, has the search for the Hometown Hotties where the beautiful model Jody Palmer became finalist in the year 2007. Jody was also appeared on various commercial and modeling stints. Also, the continuous rise of the internet expands the range of mass media, thus expanding the industry of modeling. A number of modeling agencies are having online model auditions and searches.