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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Randy Michaels' list of 119 words you can't say on Tribune's WGN (720)

Direct from the CEO of Tribune Company, there’s now a list of “forbidden ‘news-speak’ words and phrases”, says Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. Some are obvious tuneout phrases to be avoided in PPM markets, such as “We’ll be right back” and “after these commercial messages.” But here are some others: “flee” (meaning “run away”). “Alleged.” “Allegations.” “Auto accident.” “Authorities.” “Campaign trail.” And “Seek.” Michaels' list contains some obvious cliches, such as “medical hospital” and “shots rang out.” The loss of others, such as “perpetrator” and “undisclosed”, will force some difficult re-wording at times. Robert Feder says Tribune is asking its staffers to keep “keep tabs on each others' compliance: they’re to report any on-air infractions by their co-workers, making sure to note the precise time and date on ‘bingo cards.’” The Chicago Board of Radio-Info.com takes note of the Robert Feder report and the “list”.

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