Isn't it interesting that many new anchors have laptops right in front of them to help to cue in information.

Question

I think it's funny that they don't even try to hide the fact.

Answer 1

I believe they think that makes them look like they are smart up-to-date people who are always getting their information from their laptop.

What is probably on the laptop (if anything) is a note from their producer saying "Read the teleprompter correctly next time. The last one was a house fire story not a horse fur story." or "Put on your serious sad expression for the next article because it is a local tragedy. Don't use that goofy giggle look."

Answer 2

It isn't so they can have cues alone. They are more reporter anchors than there used to be so they actually have to receive up-to-the-minute information as opposed to someone typing from a wire.  The information is more instantaneous through the WAN/LAN connected laptop and can always be verified just as fast, no more waiting.