They’re not stunners but by journalism industry standards, they’re quite beautiful. They’re also smart and interesting, that enhances their attractiveness.
To answer your question, yes, this thread is judging female journalists attractiveness based on their looks. Feel free to start a thread judging male journalists on their looks, or one not specifying sex at all.
Considering that the OP’s companion thread to this could be summarized as “the homely chicks write about feminism more, amirite?” she may have a point.