Dear Editor,
I hope that despite you obviously being a journalist, you will be kind enough to allow my letter to enter into print in your newspaper.
I began in this manner because the observations I am about to make have to do with people in the journalistic fraternity.
Quite frankly, while they may seem like small things, the repetition of certain oft-used phrases by many of your colleagues in both print and the electronic media grates on my nerves.
The first is the use of the phrase "bring the curtain down" when referring to the end of an event. Why do they constantly add the unnecessary "s" to curtain? The correct phrase, at its origin, refers to the fall or closing of a theatre curtain at the end of a performance or act.
The second, is when in reporting on a trial, they say the accused was granted $1-million bail. I am positive that every accused would gladly take the million. I am sure the true story is that the accused was offered bail in the sum of $1 million, or that his bail was set at $1 million.
The third comes when reporting a death; sometimes a murder or motor vehicle fatality. They say "the accused died on the spot". Which spot? Does somebody walk around with a spot for people to die on? They may want to try: "Mr Smith died at the scene."
Finally, for now, 'the artiste's real name is John Doe'. No! His is real name can be anything he chooses. What your colleagues mean to say is: The artiste's given name is John Doe.
My nerves need a break.
Stephen Harrison
St Mary
stepharrison28@gmail.com
Media slip-ups grating on my nerves
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I hope that despite you obviously being a journalist, you will be kind enough to allow my letter to enter into print in your newspaper.
I began in this manner because the observations I am about to make have to do with people in the journalistic fraternity.
Quite frankly, while they may seem like small things, the repetition of certain oft-used phrases by many of your colleagues in both print and the electronic media grates on my nerves.
The first is the use of the phrase "bring the curtain down" when referring to the end of an event. Why do they constantly add the unnecessary "s" to curtain? The correct phrase, at its origin, refers to the fall or closing of a theatre curtain at the end of a performance or act.
The second, is when in reporting on a trial, they say the accused was granted $1-million bail. I am positive that every accused would gladly take the million. I am sure the true story is that the accused was offered bail in the sum of $1 million, or that his bail was set at $1 million.
The third comes when reporting a death; sometimes a murder or motor vehicle fatality. They say "the accused died on the spot". Which spot? Does somebody walk around with a spot for people to die on? They may want to try: "Mr Smith died at the scene."
Finally, for now, 'the artiste's real name is John Doe'. No! His is real name can be anything he chooses. What your colleagues mean to say is: The artiste's given name is John Doe.
My nerves need a break.
Stephen Harrison
St Mary
stepharrison28@gmail.com
Media slip-ups grating on my nerves
-->