Anchoring returns thanks to COVID-19

Anchoring was all the rage in the 1980s and 1990s. Thanks to COVID-19, the term “anchoring” is enjoying a rebirth as many are moving online for school and work.

As the name suggests, anchoring refers to the TV news industry, but specifically to the wardrobe choices of some male anchors.

Anchors sat at the news desk wearing sport coats, starched dress shirts and ties. They looked professional. In fact, some anchors became fashion icons. Some launched their own clothing lines.

But it’s what we didn’t see, what was hidden beneath the desk, that gave anchoring it’s name.

From the waist down, anchors would wear just about anything. According to my anchor friends, choices included sweat pants, gym shorts, boxer shorts — anything more comfortable than dress pants.

It didn’t matter because anchors were figuratively anchored to the news desk. They didn’t move. Anchors who felt a little less confined below the desk were otherwise consummate professionals. Camera operators would, on rare occasion, dip the lens to an unexpected angle and, whoops, the audience might see a hairy leg or two.

Those days are (mostly) gone, according to...

Read more at https://www.vindy.com/life/lifestyles/2020/03/anchoring-returns-thanks-to-covid-19/ (may encounter paywall).