Friday March 12, 2010
Former Tribune Co. CEO Randy Michaels issued a list of 119 words and phrases which should never be spoken on WGN-AM/Chicago by anchors or reporters.
"WGN news director Charlie Meyerson, good soldier that he is, passed on what he identified as Michaels' 'list of forbidden "newsspeak" words and phrases' in a memo to his staff Monday, with the explicit warning: 'Don't say them on WGN,' according to Robert Feder's blog.
Included on the list: "Alleged", area residents", "campaign trail", "diva", "incarcerated", "perfect storm", "reportedly", "untimely death", and "you folks".
Hint: Here are a few more words that should never be uttered on the radio: "Management knows what it's doing."
Radio Deejay Plays 'Jump' for Bridge Jumper Monday January 18, 2010
Sometimes, radio people are known for their shocking or tasteless actions. After all, it is a ratings-driven business where being the center-of-attention can usually only be helpful.
UK deejay, Steve Penk, the morning guy from 96.2FM The Revolution, was taken to task for answering several requests for the song "Jump" by Van Halen "...while police were trying to talk down a suicidal woman on a motorway bridge," reports The Sun.
"Poor taste" said one representative from a mental health charity; Lack of compassion" said some good Samaritans; "Irresponsible" another listener chimed in.
As for Penk himself? "I don't regret playing it for a minute."
Hint: Never eat anything near Steve when he's talking about fixing the choke on his car's carburetor
