Throughout the semester, we have learned about the importance of meanings certain words carry. Reporters and editors need to take into account taste, sensitivity and accuracy when covering any story. While watching Nancy Grace, one reporter was talking about the recent news story of 800 dogs being captured in an “elderly” couple’s mobile home. Accordingly, Grace said to the reporter, “how old were they?” The reporter answered that they were in their sixties. Grace asserted that she wouldn’t consider that elderly and that using the word implies a different image. This is a clear example of how something so simple as an adjective used carelessly can bring a complete different connotation for readers and listeners alike. I doubt any 60-year-old listening to the story would consider themselves “elderly,” and editors need to constantly look for possible misleading information.
Importance of word choice in the media: “elderly” March 18, 2008
Throughout the semester, we have learned about the importance of meanings certain words carry. Reporters and editors need to take into account taste, sensitivity and accuracy when covering any story. While watching Nancy Grace, one reporter was talking about the recent news story of 800 dogs being captured in an “elderly” couple’s mobile home. Accordingly, Grace said to the reporter, “how old were they?” The reporter answered that they were in their sixties. Grace asserted that she wouldn’t consider that elderly and that using the word implies a different image. This is a clear example of how something so simple as an adjective used carelessly can bring a complete different connotation for readers and listeners alike. I doubt any 60-year-old listening to the story would consider themselves “elderly,” and editors need to constantly look for possible misleading information.