Subdued sartorial and acting codes

Posted by Mei on July 14, 2003

Hi,

I have difficulty in understanding the bracketed 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)celiwhere the charge is made that physical attractiveness of the anchor team is taking precedence over their competence as journalists.

Thank you.