NEWSROOMS DECIDE: NO MORE RECYCLING OF RETIRED WORDS

Kenyan newsrooms have a knack of recycling already tired phrases. It's almost as if there's already a default set of words for specific situations. Coverage of the death of a prominent person will most certainly include a 'fare thee well' reference. And in times of elections, it can almost be guaranteed that some people or a country will be deciding.

This predictable descriptions can really put someone off, especially because they go counter to the expectations of a vibrant and inventive media.

Is it that newsroom pressures predisposes journalist and editors to like short-cuts, making them easily raid their 'limited' vocabulary granary, at the slightest provocation?

Or are there certain pre-determined words that must be deployed during specific situations, to the exclusion of many other possibilities, even in international news channels?

Language is meant to be dynamic and communicators should likewise strive to enrich their variety of expressions.

There should be some limits though, when it comes to creatively engaging the audience.

Care should be taken before some editorial decisions are 'decided'!!