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The concept of airbrushing did not become standard in TV until about 15 years agowhen the FCC introduced HDTV. Other industries adopted the application, too.For example, the tanning and artificial nail businesses now are using airbrushing quitefrequently.Imagine equipment (resembles a thin garden hose nozzle) containing foundationbottles of any shade being lightly sprayed on your face. The result is a porcelain image,correcting most imperfections and providing a natural look. Polier enjoys the stayingpower, citing that actors do not have the color shift problems conventional make-up cancause because of perspiration and oils in the skin. Also, new silicone bases are preferredwith airbrushing. Interestingly, film on-location shoots used to be difficult because theequipment and the supplies were very cumbersome. Today, artists can bring back-packswith units weighing ten pounds or less. Even single bottles are available with sprayers!Are there disadvantages to air brushing? McCourt believes it only will solve a portionof the challenge to create a natural look on HDTV. For example, wigs, fake beardsand fake blood will look phony. Only lighting and other filter diffusion productswill aid producers in complementing a broadcaster’s appearance. Wall Street JournalCorrespondent Emily Nelson wrote, “To flatter their stars, cameramen on sitcoms anddramas can use a feature called ‘skin detail’ on their lens, and it’s getting more of aworkout with HDTV. It involves an adjustable setting that blurs flesh tones but keepsthe rest of the scene in focus.” These devices create the look of film. Even set colors arebecoming softer to flatter actors. Basically, actors will have to spend more time in thestudio or on location for checks in aesthetics.But what about TV news anchors? Former Florida WKMG-TV anchor Leslye Galealso was cited in The Orlando Sentinel. “It’s so hard for women in the TV news businessalready. But with HDTV coming, it’s a good thing that plastic surgery and Botoxare acceptable.” The article indicated Gale left the TV station to spend more time withher family. She now works in radio and is very happy because she won’t have to worryabout make-up and HDTV!Another issue will be cost. Can TV news stations and independent productionhouses afford make-up artists? Industry airbrushing machine leader DINAIR and otherprototypes cost between $500 -$5,000, depending on need and product requirements.Professional make-up schools are just starting to incorporate airbrushing into theircurriculum. Classes are pricey, too – anywhere from $600-$2,500, depending if youwant to learn more than just corrective make-up. So how will news stations deal withthese issues?Will news anchors and reporters be expected to master airbrushing? If not, wouldstations be able to afford make-up artists? McCourt thinks the industry is in for a rudeawakening once HDTV becomes standard. The audience inevitably will respond asthey always have – through ratings. Nevertheless, as broadcast performers, airbrushingwill allow for a new experience. Stay tuned!NOTE: Karl Idsvoog specializes in investigative reporting. He can be reached atkidsvoog@kent.edu. Michelle McCoy is the author of Sound and Look Professional onTV and the Internet, Bonus Books. She can be reached at michelle.mccoy@tri-c.edu