A classic example of this would be the phrase "two twins", one I heard on an almost daily basis during the Kahui story. How many twins come in three? Do they really think viewers are so uneducated as to not be aware that twins means two of?
Not only is it poor English, it's insulting to my intelligence.
Just the other night I was watching the news when I was presented with an absolutely gripping piece on the, wait for it, travel plans of a female giraffe.
It gets better folks, the said giraffe was not only on the move, but on the move in peak-hour traffic.
Just as well I was already seated, people, it was mind-blowing stuff. Thinking that I just couldn't handle any more on this monumental event, you can imagine how surprised I was to find that the best was yet to come.
The journo delivered the most unbelievable piece of information in what can only be termed as a throwaway line. Paper bags at the ready, people, this will have you hyperventilating, are you sure you can handle it?
The travelling giraffe, remember it's a female, is destined to be mated with ... (dramatic pause, drumroll please) a male giraffe!
Now, I just know that if you are anything like me, this Earth-shattering revelation would have rocked your world. How can this be?
There I was thinking that the giraffe was a lesbian who had entered into a secret love affair with a hippo.
Both of these beautiful ladies were sadly infertile but had managed to raise the funds for a round of IVF, thanks to a cake stall, a carwash and a celebrity auction. It never once crossed my mind that a female giraffe and a male giraffe would mate.
Thank the Lord for such riveting news pieces.
Then there was the story late last week of the kids left unattended in a car with a lighter that did not have a child safety lock and resulted in the kids being pulled from a car on fire.
A disturbing story that came just days after a news item on a mother who had left a baby in her car with a note while she shopped for groceries.
I was keen to hear follow-up stories on both news items and was almost aghast when the headline that followed the fire story was all about the lighter and the need for stricter regulations around the child proofing of such devices. Just my opinion, but what a cop out.
It's the blame game, again. Anything to absolve ourselves of responsibility. Seriously though, what next? Will we be taking a class action against all stove manufacturers for making their elements too hot, so we can have a scapegoat the next time a child gets burned in the kitchen?
I know that news can be a very subjective topic and that it is not as simple as just stating the facts, but journalists and editors alike certainly have the power to steer it in a certain direction.
Sadly it is the opinion of this mere mortal that some have gone well off course and it's not without casualties.
As to last week's episode, I've started a Twitter account but am yet to tweet and my Facebook page is under construction. Shonky builders.
Keep the feedback coming though, email me anytime, investik8@gmail.com. Til; next time, smile loudly.
