4. BBC

BBC criticised for creeping ‘Americanisms’

The BBC has been criticised for an increased use of ‘Americanisms’ and slang terms by its presenters.

   Martha Kearney, newly appointed presenter of The World at One on BBC Radio 4
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   Mr Smith responded: “I don’t think anyone will be regarded as credible until they ‘fess up’ to the terrible truth that some of the services will have to go, in terms of jobs and projects.”

   The exchange sparked a furious debate on the BBC messageboards about whether this was the latest example of an Americanism creeping into accepted use by BBC presenters.

   One post asked whether Kearney, 52, was “born in Compton?” – an area of Los Angeles known for gang warfare.

   The message added: “When has it become acceptable for radio journalists, politicians (I've heard David Cameron use the same phrase) and serious individuals in general to use this American slang? It's lazy, and not very clever.

   “This is just slack lazy language, which should not be coming from the mouth of anyone who has a reasonable level of education; Even when that 'someone went' to a private school."
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   “We're stuck with most of this, but we don't have to lie down prone, supplicate and accept our inevitable crushing by the juggernaut.”

   Nick Seaton, Campaign for Real Education, said: “It is not a surprise that a few expressions have crept in but the BBC should be setting an example for people and not indulging any slopping Americanised slang.”

   “BBC bosses should remind their broadcasters what they have to be careful and they have a duty to protect the high standards which we expect from the BBC.”

   Some commentators have warned that an increase of imported American children’s shows, such as High School Musical, Arthur and Ben Ten, had led to slang being incorporated into every day language.

   The corporation was forced to monitor the use of slang on its children's CBBC channel following complaints about poor language and declining standards of spoken English on programmes such as Dick and Dom show.
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   A BBC spokeman said: "We are not aware of there being any issues with use of language and believe that the public enjoy our presenters' turn of phrase."

   A list of Americanisms that have annoyed BBC listeners:

   * 'Fess up' instead of 'confess'

   * The Americanisation of dates - July the fifth is now 'July fifth' or January the fifth becomes 'January five'

   * 'Take a look' instead of ‘have a look’