Memo puts WGN news staffers at a loss for words

this guy should get a job.he gets paid for this?

We were taught not to use some of these in school. I don't know the whole story behind this, and I don't care about this man or his position (he doesn't effect me in any way currently and probably never will), but this is a pretty good list. I know if I were a PD and anyone said "5am in the morning", I wouldn't fire them, but I'd probably ask "Why did you say that? It's either 5am, or it's 5 in the morning". We were also taught not to generalize an audience as a large group of people (on radio, you're supposed to always be speaking to ONE person, the person in their car or at their desk who's listening to you), and you never tell anyone you'll be back or that you're going to commercials, that just gives them a warning. "Oh, you're going to commercial? Well I'll just hit one of my other pre-sets, see what's going on on my other favourite station". Also, not saying Eye-Rack and Eye-Ran make sense, because saying the names of those countries like that make you sound like a hick, and newspeople shouldn't sound like hicks (same with "hunnert" and "dubya"). Some of it is ridiculous though, like "reportedly" is a great word to use to avoid slander charges :-) And what if you don't know what kinds of "vehicles" you're talking about? There was an accident, you don't know if it was two cars, a car and a van, a truck and a van... vehicles covers it.

There are items on the list that simply do not belong there, and frankly, the list is so nightmarishly long that it seems that any reasonable person would fear for his or her job any time they got in front of a typewriter or microphone. The list is written to Randy Michaels' personal preference, and he is a useless waste of skin and organs, not a real news man.

There are three things that matter when presenting the news: Clarity, conciseness, and correctness. Style matters should be left up to the line and segment producers, period. They should have sufficient authority to put the right editors and writers in place to make it easy for the announcers (who may also be writers or editors themselves) to sound human and give listeners the facts they need so that the advertisers will pay for the audience that results.

Randy Michaels' role in all this should be to shut up and write the ^&*( checks.

You may feel this is micromanagement, but that's a good list. That list only makes a dent in the kind of newsspeak that makes talking heads sounds like a bunch of smarmy gits who don't really know what they're talking about. If there was a similar list for pseudo-scientists/pseudo-doctors on infomercials we might make some progress.
Is it any wonder that so many Americans no longer trust the news when they are barraged with anchors who are more intent on sounding newsy than getting any facts, understanding what they're talking about, or presenting a fair assessment of the causes, impacts, and importance of the stories they're reporting?

I'm mostly in agreement with the list. I only wish he would have added "rate of speed". Rate and speed are the same thing. I hear that one on the news all the time.

This one always gets me, "It won't happen anytime soon."
What a phrase.
What is anytime?
Is it different that real time.
NPR which is one step above the college radio station loves this phrase.
Another is "ugly traffic"
And I still do not know what is different between an accident and crash.
Abd what ever happened to Abby Ryan?

No Mr. Feder, you're wrong. This list is spot-on. Bravo Randy Michaels.

500?

I used to be a newsreporter, in a lot of markets, including WGN. While this guy sounds like he's a first class boob by not sitting down with his department and explaining his motives. I gotta tell ya. I agree with him. That list alone comprised at least half a news report or news cast every single day right now and it's being delivered by 12 year old news wanna-bees who don't know an actual story from a hole in the ground.
Mute and moot being confused? Shamefull.
They're just a bunch a trite overused phrased from the dark ages of radio news being recycled because no one has the brains to come up with something new and fresh.

This list is a good list--Michaels is spot on with it. My only problem is the idea that co-workers are supposed to enforce it with each other, though if it's only for the purposes of critique (i.e. to help everyone get better, and no one gets fired because a co-worker says "you said 'allegedly' on the air"), then even that isn't so bad.

For all of you screaming "micromanaging idiot!!", Michaels is merely doing what a good program director (or news director) should be doing--namely, critiquing his/her airstaff and making them better. You could make the argument that Michaels could have done this through his PD/ND instead of doing it directly. Then again, you could also make the argument that any PD/ND who allows any of those words to be uttered by his or her news staff on a consistent basis should be fired.

@ 495 & 496: Left? Right? Doesn't matter to me. I just prefer looking at non-plus-sized models whilst sipping my non-hyphenated coffee.

Of course! Blame the liberal left. Of course, since "liberal" nowadays simply means "not on the cutting edge of right-wing," I'm always a bit nonplussed (no hyphen needed; we're not the morons here) when someone uses the word in a negative sense. FYI, the 1956 Republican Party was further left than the current Democratic Party.

Also, you never catch liberal left people referring to the Democratic Party as "the Democrat Party," as though neoconservative indoctrination makes one selectively forget the difference between adjectives and nouns. Grammar failures happen on both sides of center, regardless of where you place the center.

Good list. Media workers have grown accustomed to a gullible audience that fall for news speak. I blame the liberal left for this, as misused words are tools to befuddle a non-plussed (which really means "confused," you morons) audience.

Randy's targeting his list at WGN's news staff reminds nme of my favorite "Mary Tyler Moore Show" moment: When Ted Baxter asks Walter Cronkite, "What words do you mispronounce?"

@Boondocker - Probably so, but if you've heard Noonan's show, you would clearly understand why I linked this list - or any assistive-to-broadcasting link - to the Brian Noonan Show.
(And shame on you for using the word "stuff." The word ought to be stripped from blogs as well. It's weak and non-productive, for the most part.)

@Kent: ROFL! I'll agree with that!

@Scott: The list was specifically targeted to news anchors and reporters, not talk show hosts such as Brian Noonan. The news team is NOT guilty of this stuff, not even the folksy Orien Samuelson.

@Boondocker - What are you talking about? You obviously don't listen to WGN late nights on the weekend. Brian Noonan breaks many elementary radio personality rules and would have a hard time staying on-air at a high school radio station in the 'real world.' Obviously, nobody in power is listening to this lousy show which subjects its audience to producer Cody's irritating, non-radio voice and boring stories just to fill Noonan's time. For some reason, Noonan thinks he has a Roe Conn-Jim Johnson persona with this Cody guy. He doesn't. They deserve each other, but in an unemployment line - not on the radio. Oh, that's right, Noonan has told us a million times that he's a teacher. After teaching all day Friday and then trying to do a show Friday night, maybe that's why he's so poor. Likely neglecting his teaching job, too, by trying to fit in too much. Wish he'd stick with teaching and forget radio - for the audience's sake - and take Cody with him, maybe as a teacher's aide? Only good thing I can say about that show is that they FINALLY got rid of the nightmare on the phones called Lindsey!
Seriously, I'm still stymied as to why Noonan is on such a big Chicago station, and why my suggestion of Garry Meier reruns in Noonan's place hasn't been enacted by now. WGN - PLEASE BUY OUT HIS CONTRACT AND SHOW HIM THE DOOR NOW! He's incredibly awful.

@Boondocker #489: Your analogies are spot on. However, I would give a "Little League Basics" book to the Chicago Scrubs and a "Pop Warner Playbook" to the Chicago Bears.

AAUUGGHH!!! OK, here's some questions for the group: Would you copy a page of dos and don'ts from "High School Band for Dummies" and distribute it to members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra? Would you give Leonardo da Vinci a "paint-by-numbers" book? Would you tell one of our veteran astronauts, "Remember, now, don't go outside the space station without oxygen! There's no air out there!" NO you wouldn't, because even though those things are sound advice, they'd be professionally and personally insulting to people who already know what they're doing a heck of a lot better than you do. THAT is the issue here, and so few seem to get it. Does Michaels' list of expressions to avoid contain sound suggestions? With a few exceptions, YES! But here's the key question: Are most of these no-nos commonly uttered on WGN radio? NO!!!! And NOBODY in all these hundreds of posts has made the case that they are. WGN is not an entry-level job. It's the top of the career heap for radio professionals. With the possible exception of Jim Laski, you can't get hired there unless you already know what you're doing and do it very, very professionally. Michaels' list is fine for an entry-level radio neophyte. Aimed at WGN, though, it's an undeserved and bush-league slap in the face. I assume that's why Mr. Feder made an issue of it in the first place.

Three more for the list:

Pronouncing the "t" in often.

Also, "daylight savings time" instead of "daylight saving time".

Last, but not least, "opening arguments" when it should be "opening statements".

@Gregg McVicar - "...can we add 'skyrocketing' to this list?"
Not over Casey Kasem-wannabees 'living' bodies... "The song skyrockets to number 1 on the charts this week!"
@Tim - "Alleged" is the word on the list that struck me the most as an 'I don't know about this one' entry. I find the word useful in letting the audience know 'nothing has been proven in a court of law yet' without being wordy. Myself, I would consider it a necessity to assisting non-wordiness in reporting.

To people who love tinkering with words,like myself, the topic of "words" in this thread has been lots of fun, while the overblown criticisms of Mr. Michaels have been somewhat of an unwanted sidebar (even though I realize the 'man behind the memo' was the intended crux of this story.) Oooops! 'Crux' isn't on the list, I hope!

While we're at it, can we add "skyrocketing" to the list?

I wonder if he ran "alleged" past the legal department? I'm betting not. That would take some foresight. Randy has none.

Most of these are cliches that won't be missed by anyone. He left "of course" off the list, though.

Well done, that. Everyone may "hate the boss" but about 90% of his cliche hit-list are all dogturds in the lawn of language.

micromanagement, yes.

however he is spot on with most of his points on language usage

.

Too much whining about the snitching aspect of this. Better language means better news. Here's the Nimble Communicator's view:
http://bit.ly/cDjibv

Nothing wrong with these rules. Probably a little heavy-handed to ask employees to turn in their colleagues, but that's Tribune's new way. This used to be done by editors before they were all eliminated. Never a good idea to think that writers and producers should edit themselves.

@yg bluig - From the looks of your post, your publisher must have been severly overworked before going to press with your material.

OK, what would Benji do in this scenario?
WGN needs to promote a concert for "Barenaked Ladies" at 7pm "in the evening"?

(Benji now mulling this puzzler over while ballpark franks and cheese fries.)

So is is a list of "banned" words and phrases, or is it a rudimentary style and grammar guide for his on-air talent? Surely the head of a news organization has a say how the news is presented. My former publisher used to have a fit when you'd say 'the accident took place at 3rd and Elm" because accidents never take place, they occur. (Only scheduled events take place)

Honestly, as shocking as it use the word "banned," most of the stuff on this list are examples of bad grammar, ridiculous cliches and cutesy-pie TV news anchor stuff. Half of this list comes right out of the AP Stylebook. For example, why say '5 a.m. in the morning'? It's redundant and makes the speaker sound like a moron. Ditto for "bare naked."

When I saw that he 'banned' use of "the white stuff" as euphemism for snow, I was ready to shout for joy because I've been calling for a moratorium on its use for years now.

#475 @Angie Freshwater Your post reminds me that "underlings" and "frankly" need to be added to Mr. Michales list - near the top fo the list.

Why would this guy be so stupid as to do something like this? Doesn't he have better things to do than dream up a list of words that his extremely hard-working underlings can't use? Frankly, I read that list, and I think it's ridiculous. There are so many words in there, the person may as well not be speaking at all. Tell him that he should abolish that list and just let people speak naturally. Because, frankly, if he keeps that list, he's probably going to want to add to it in the future, and if he does that, there's going to be tyranny among his workers. Does he want that?

So what's the point? Please just do a better job reporting the news!

#471 @Bill Colley "Dates" is another word that should be on the list - unless speaking of the edible dates, of course.

Yep, we're still babbling about it. Why? Because even if we beat this dead horse into the ground (until it's the equivalent of an entree at a certain Santa Monica restaurant selling illegal whale meat), it would still make a more interesting discussion than a certain boring radio station in Delaware (WGMD 92.7).

Now, waiter, I'd like the Benji Palomino Surf 'n Turf. Mmmmm

(C'mon 500th post! You can do it!)

You folks are still babbling on about this? Someone isn't getting many dates.

I think I appreciate the attitude that a radio listened should feel like they're being spoken to directly, but it sounds to me like the intention with some of the banned words is to "dumb down" the message for the WGN audience, which is kind of offensive. We all know what 'incarcerated' means, and it's used by other news outlets because it's the right word. I take my news straight, no chaser - don't dumb down my radio.

Done with WGN (can I say that?)

I worked in a retail ski shop one year where we were absolutely not to ask the customer, "Can I help you?" And no acceptable alternative greetings were ever provided or suggested as options!

IF this is not a joke this man needs to be seen by Doctors! Some of those are legale terms used in court today!

Congratulations - it is about time someone had the moxy to clean up the news verbiage - current misuse of word choice and incorrect pronunciation is rampant - slang and laziness does not make it correct.

Zell is exact reasons why buyouts are often bad. He is a jerk and so is tubby Randy Michaels. Dude, you are a jerk, quit eating.

He left out the most annoying, overused word: "exclusive." NBC would probably collapse if it could not tout the exclusivity of its interviews.

This is literally the mother of all....what if you are a Texan? Not to be Diva-ish, and I may be speaking out of place, but some of you may agree that this is a senseless murder of a perfectly good set of words and phrases....

I would have a few more words and phrases to add: "in regards to" , "an INFORMED source", "after a long battle with cancer", "personality", "up close and personal", "spokesman", "news", "we", "us"... The list goes on. But how different is this list than the one the New York Times kept for years as part of its style sheet? His point is well-taken that media speak burns the brain.

Gabriel, Michaels is indeed correct about the proper use of English. But nobody here, in all 460 posts, has proved to me that any of the actual no-nos on this list are common -- or even occasional -- occurrences at WGN. They're not!

The sad thing isn't that professionals were sent this memo. The sad thing is that they needed to be sent this memo. Randy Michaels' approach wasn't the best, but he is correct on nearly all counts when it comes to proper use of English.

@ rabidrobot #458... LOL!!!!
How about a couple of warm-up acts:
"Benji & The Best Kept Secrets"
"Reportedly Randy & the Mother of All Michaels"

I think half of these could be bands playing during SXSW...Senseless Murder--didn't their bass player get in a fight with Crispin Glover?

Unprecedented!
If you will. . .
size matters.

Some of the above terms are definitely cliches to be avoided, but most are just words in english. e.g. "incarcerated" versus... what? "Jailed"? "Imprisoned"? "Put in jail"? What the Sam Hill is the difference between these, other than one man's personal bias? Talk about putting an unnecessary hindrance on your journalists. Stupid.

According to a comment from "Tim" above: "His last two projects have been dismal failures. He’s on a roll and not a good one." Tim, that's the difference between Randy and most others. He's willing to take risks, and if they don't work, reevaluate and try again. It's exactly what the newspaper industry had been refusing to do, instead insisting on existing in their own little isolated world.

Get smart John Potter,
WGN Ratings have never been lower. Randy Michaels is a radio has-been. The time is here for a change. Sam and the board need to clean WGN'S house all the way down to the PD who wouldn't have clue about programing. WGN is an embarrassment to all seasoned broadcasters.

His last two projects have been dismal failures. He's on a roll and not a good one.

No job is too big or too small for Randy Michaels. I agree with his list. Watch ratings soar on this Trib property.

@Eric #445,
I think Randy Michaels finds the phrase "out of the box" to be appropriate only when it refers to removing the contents from Taco Bell's Volcano Big Box. Mmmmm... DEEEE-Lish! I don't think the critics are missing "the big picture". Feder posted that BIG, massive, picture above.
But seriously, if he is the Mahatma of the media world, why have so many former associates come out against him? I'd like to see HR's employee turnover records. As far as your own personal experience with him goes, you've given him high praise. But others have shared horror stories that span decades, there's a pattern there. I guess "positive buzz" is in the ear of the beholder.
I'd hate to show up at one of Benji's stations on casual Fridays... "Alright everybody, free rubber penis necklaces for all! And after we play pin the panties on the bulletin board, FREE ICE CREAM, kiddies! Now let's have a Homel Hoedown! YEEEEE haww!"

Editors are newspaper things. Broadcasters aren't newspaper things. The difference? There will be radio stations at the end of the decade.

@Fiona Bruin:

I'm not complaining so much about the content of the list--though I do indeed disagree with some of the selections--as with the author of the list. This should have been delegated to the editors, not the CEO. Otherwise, why were the editors hired?

The listof words is OK, but I wish I had the time to see how often he is quoted using them???? I really do not like the idea of the nazi police state of turning others in. Does he listen to the station? And when does a suit have a "radio" name? Does anyone have Bernie's tapes from his top 40 days?

...and like a typical blowhard he offers no substitutes. "Im fat, rich and bored." I wonder if you can say that.

He's stealing George Carlin's routine --"jumbo shrimp"!!!

For some time now I’ve been following news reports and blogs about my former boss, Randy Michaels. It seems that many of those who report on Randy and the Tribune Co., especially in the print world, find it an affront that this guy from the broadcast world is running newspapers. So, they write breathless stories, as if the newspaper world has been infiltrated by a saboteur. This is their way of resisting change, something that’s very scary to them. But in their industry, change is mandatory for survival.

The list of words and phrases you write about was designed to steer news writers and on air talent to deliver the news conversationally instead of falling into “news speak” which often is far from the way we talk to each other. His list also pointed out how some words and phrases are misused based on their actual meaning. And, by the way, his radio and TV news managers and their staffs overwhelmingly agree these are words and phrases they should avoid.

Now, I have first hand experience with Randy on things like this. When he was CEO of the radio group that owned the radio station I was running, he was a frequent advisor on content. I often solicited his opinion. He suggested words and phrases our news staff could, and should, expunge from news scripts. It was his way to get our news people to communicate more effectively and naturally with our audience. And Randy invited discussion and debate.

In the case of the Tribune stations, Randy’s list has been characterized by some on the outside as “forbidden.” Never once was I forbidden by Randy. He’s an idea person, and always wanted to hear different, or even opposing, ideas.

Under his leadership, our radio group became highly respected by our peers. Our stations often over-achieved in our individual markets; we were perceived as effective competitors, willing to try new things. Many who worked for other stations and radio groups wanted to find a position with one of our radio stations so they could work with Randy.

Facts like that are (purposely?) overlooked by Randy’s critics. They are so preoccupied and obsessed with his radio background they’re missing the big picture.

Randy Michaels is brilliant, intuitive and always challenging the old ways of doing things. He’s typically a step or more ahead. His need for knowledge is insatiable. I’m convinced he has a photographic memory. He always kept us ahead of the rest with technology and marketing concepts. Those who either worked with him, or knew his track record in radio, had no doubt that he could be successful at Tribune Co.

His ability to break down obstacles to creative and (as much as I hate the phrase—this might even be on his list) out-of-the-box thinking is challenging, refreshing and highly stimulating. Because of this talent and his ability to motivate and empower his people, all Tribune media properties today are making a profit. Indeed, the changes and ideas he’s instituted have created positive buzz and interest in the world of newspapers.

I suppose there always will be an old guard, resistant to change and willing to do everything in their power to prevent it. But it’s the Randy Michaels of this world, the intelligent risk takers, who sustain innovation and progress.

What's all the hubbub, bub? Hasn't anyone ever heard of the Chicago or AP Manuals of Style? He's just doing a little update and adding a few things. Some of these are already in one or the other anyway.

"At this point in time?" Why not just say "now?"

I think the author, Mr Feder is upset becuase he is probably guilty of using some of teh assinine phrases, himself. ANd he doesn't like to be called out. Everyone of those phrases is a testament to how much journalists have fallen.

As someone noted earlier here, they need to get an education.
*bare naked - as opposed to being fully clothed naked, I guess.
*sketchy details - if it's sketchy, how in the world can you call it detailed?
*in other news - wait, you eman the news program was doing some entertainment, and we need to know that the next thing you say is news?
*fatal death - are there any other forms of death other than fatal?

need I go further? Way to go, Mr Randy Michaels.

@Fiona

Whomever complains about those complaining has never worked in a radio newsroom. I have worked in many places where not using "alleged" would get you fired at the end of the newscast. That word alone on the list says that Randy hasn't a clue.

Face it, we are not talking about a guy with a stellar track record here. The bit about asking staffers to snitch on each other is Stalinist. I wonder if anyone has had a coversation with AFTRA about this?

TO Fiona Bruin

Thank you Mrs Michaels.

This list makes a lot of sense. Whomever made up this list has a good education. Anyone who is complaining about the list just is complaining about no having a clue whats so good about it.

Some of this makes sense, but a lot of it shows that Randy wouldn't know a good newscast if it were stuffed down his throat. Dropping alleged? Really?!

"Allegedly Mr. Michaels has a brain. No sign of the organ was found today during routine medical tests."

So there.

You missed the point, Bill, this is Chicago...not St Louis or any other market.
Look at the ratings and where WGN is going-right down the tube. Chicago radio is one to one or it should be.

I worked for Randy and I know a LOT of people who would want to work for him. This is making a mountain out of a molehill. Sounds like he decided that the stations would relate better to the audience if they spoke like the audience instead of sounding like they got a Thesaurus and chose the largest words they could in order to impress everyone with their vocabulary.

Perhaps he could have made the memo less wordy by simply saying, "Never use a large word when a diminutive one would do..."

Randy Michaels is a top notch broadcaster and I'm proud to have worked for him.

Hi Robert - I've put the list into a little interactive graphic I made for my own blog: http://radioitems.com/2010/03/119-radio-donts/

On the off-chance you'd like to use it, let me know. Thanks for the story!

Rob

Although I'm not from Chicago, I read about your blog in the trades and decided to read it myself. I've been in radio for years. I'm not a fan of Randy since I think his past practices have hurt radio during Clear Channel's acquisition phase, but his list is good and he is right about this. These are crutches that make reporters sound like they are still working in the 1960's. This is why news radio is dead to people under 40 like myself. We work on how to speak to an audience like they speak daily. Be relatable to the audience and stop speaking at them is what we are taught. There are many things to take shots at Randy about...this is not one of them. Perhaps the people who this was focused to help should open their minds to improvement of their delivery and lose these antiquated phrases. If you don't look for ways to improve the product, then you are a part of the problem. Congrats to Randy for getting it right this time and shame on the ego driven reporters and news persons that think they are past improving their craft.

Dateline: WGN 1:58pm, Garry Meier just apologized for saying "VETREN" instead of "VETERAN". Damn, that was a "near-miss" for my Benji Bingo Card. "Believe me, I'm not making this up!"
(c'monnnnn, bingo! One more square and I win a free burrito!)

What about turning turning it up to 11? OR our boss is a $%&^ idiot?

Here's another:

Off ten

"Believe me, I’m not making this up."

Actually you are making it up. It's not a list of banned words, it's a list of words that make a person sound like a talking head. And he's right. WHen was the last time anyone used the word "alleged?"

I have to go with the CEO on this one. If "communications" professionals can't go a day without using these phrases (many of which are just wrong), then they really should not be on the radio.

After leaving TV news a while back, I still can't help but watch the news with a critical eye. I know I am as guilty as anyone on the air today of relying too heavily on news cliches. Didn't realize how irritating it was until I became a viewer again.
I think every news director should take most of this list and share it with their news teams. Granted, the fact that Randy Michaels wrote this is a little absurd, but the guy probably ended a bad day of managing his company through bankruptcy, he tuned in to the news and heard stupid blather coming out of his news staffers. So he fired off a note - and it probably felt good to get it off of his chest. One thing that he COULD control that day.

Welcome back you folks. Our top story tonight is a complete surprise.Those of you behind bars stay tuned. Some reportedly famed bare naked pedestrian literally fled on foot after shots rang out at an undisclosed plagued medical hospital in close proximity to the Campaign Trail. The fact of the matter is the perpetrator or as informed sources say, "lone gunman," was giving a hunnert and ten percent in a killing spree and clash with police. Some of you area residents perished out there during the shower activity and senseless murder of what authorities call the Mother of all Perfect storms. To be fair, everybody else in harm’s way is literally lucky to be alive in the wake of the aftermath up there. Sources say at this point in time the death toll down there is legendary. Speaking out under false pretenses, a world class diva behind closed doors said, "Folks, really, fatal death, untimely death, unrest, an undocumented alien… these are sketchy details. Thus, utilize your vehicle to lend a helping hand in the manhunt." In a surprise move, officials said a motorist in an auto accident underwent surgery that went terribly wrong. Time for a break. It is definitely possible we’ll be back after the break.

Welcome back everybody. In other news, torrential rain and white stuff is the best kept secret out in Eye Rack. Going forward, let’s touch base with the at risk guys who are under fire and who seek the yet to be incarcerated subject. "All of you marred by the near miss should stay behind the podium up there."

Frankly, I don't understand the criticism. Broadcast news is generally hammered by daily broadsides from folks who've never been near a microphone. Now you have a man with the understanding it begins with the most basic units, words. Why the need to belittle? Does it work? Tribune GM, Tom Langmyer, twenty years ago was the Operations Manager at WSYR in Syracuse. These rules governed that newsroom and industry insiders consistently ranked the station among the five best news talkers in the country. Later Tom and former WSYR News Director, John Butler, managed KMOX in St. Louis. It was America's most popular radio station by listener numbers. Standards do matter. They matter to the people enforcing them and they matter to an audience.

Welcome to Benji Burgers, you're our Hunnert Customer. Can I take your order?

"Ummm... I'll have the Bare Naked Burger with a regular Complete Surprise Fries and a Senseless Shake. I'll be paying with a Bingo Card Gift Certificate."

Would you like me to Randy-size your meal this evening?

"No, I wouldn't want to make an alleged pig of myself. That could put me in harm's way landing me in a medical hospital."

OK, flee to the 2nd window for your World Class Order.

Ban all four of his chins.

Frankly, I am pleased someone is attempting to make sense of the pitiful lack of construction and use of words in the news industry.
I constantly notice redundancy and improperly used words and phrases even in the most respected news oulets.
It is rather ridiculous that the CEO of a foundering media empire has to be the one to raise this issue. And, yes, Gestapo tactics of 'bingo cardlike' reporting is rather childish. Is the reward another cookie at the annual "Holiday Party?"
I would have thought the editors and news chiefs, or at least the news readers would have the competency to correct lazy work.

Yes, eliminating most of these is just good writing, the problem is that this wacko tells his employees to rat out each other....this is always destructive to morale.

The point is, though, that very few if any of the words on this list that really are no-nos are ever heard on WGN! What a slap in the face of consummate pros such as Steve Alexander, with whom I've had the honor of working in Denver. So many here are prattling about how much Michaels must "care" about WGN, but to me it's evidence that he doesn't, and never really iistens to the station to boot. If he did he'd know that this kind of sloppiness just isn't done on 720. Send this list to some downstate Bic lighter of a station and it's probably a good idea. Send it to WGN and it's like telling George Clooney he needs to learn how to act.

If you ask *me*, *your'e* creepy.. Most of these words should be removed, but probably not all. Some are necessary. But you leave the man alone.. before somebody gets hurt.

Landed here from a Google result. Why does the author have a problem with an employer expecting a certain level of professionalism from his employees?
What the hell is happening to this country?

Actually, you'd think more CEOs would have a clue about the product their companies produce and would care about its quality to the degree Randy Michaels cares about WGN's....

Typical CEO...

Stupid
Weak
Lazy

And then when his operation FINALLY implodes, he'll expect the taxpayers to come to the rescue. So much for that "free-market" thang.

Plus this Dude needs to push himself away from the table and / or start moving around more. Just another FATTY who won't take care of themselves and expect everyone else to pay for their problems.

After all, I'm sure his health care plan is First Rate.
I'm confident his pension is secure, as well.