You Can Say That Again! On Second Thought, No You Can't

Good for Randy Michaels!

The Tribune Co. CEO has banned 119 words and phrases that radio readers may never again utter on WGN-AM (720), a news/talk radio station in Chicago.

Among them is the word alleged.

Readers of this column might recall that this editor banned allege (and its various forms) from the publications of Sauk Valley Newspapers as of last Nov. 24.

Sometimes, killing a word is the only way to save it from a wretched existence of misuse.

Maybe 119 words is too many. But Mose agrees with many, especially the trite words and phrases – journalese, we sometimes call it – that are sprinkled throughout undisciplined (lazy) writing.

Yes, WGN's “talent” ought to know the difference between a margin and a ratio, just as sports writers ought to know the difference between a score and a lead – but they often show us that they don't.

The phrase “5 a.m. in the morning” is simple redundancy, and “after the break” (like “press time”) is insider lingo that shouldn't be inflicted on customers.

Why is it so hard to distinguish between a podium and a lectern, when they're very different things?

Is the banning of words a case of micromanaging? Maybe it is, but it's also a challenge to journalists to show some creativity rather than pulling some hackneyed wording from the writer's bag of worn out tricks.

For your enjoyment, here is WGN's complete list of verboten verbiage:

Manhunt

Marred

Medical hospital

“Flee” meaning “run away”

“Good” or “bad” news

“Laud” meaning “praise”

“Seek” meaning “look for”

“Some” meaning “about”

“Two to one margin” ... “Two to one” is a ratio, not a margin. A margin is measured in points. It’s not a ratio.

“Yesterday” in a lead sentence

“Youth” meaning “child”

5 a.m. in the morning

After the break

After these commercial messages

Aftermath

All of you

Allegations

Alleged

Area residents

As expected

At risk

At this point in time

Authorities

Auto accident

Bare naked

Behind bars

Behind closed doors

Behind the podium (you mean lecturn) [sic]

Best kept secret

Campaign trail

Clash with police

Close proximity