Diction: the choice of words and the way they are used in speech or writing. Obviously, improper diction would lead to poor talk shows and sub-standard writing that may demand apologies. Should we resort to apologising or make it when we still have the chance? Allow us to illustrate.
The date is January 24, and the show is Barua Milele, which is meant to advise on marital problems.
“Next, hatuna time! Bwana yako ataendelea kuja kwa nyumba na sabuni za lodging. Mtu akitaka kubaki na shida zake abaki nazo. Wewe deal na shida yako. Next! Hatuna time, deal na shida yako!’’
The presenter, Wilbroda, is clearly angry and has totally lost it on air. This is because a woman from Kakamega, who allegedly had an issue in her marriage, called seeking guidance and advice but later, for one reason or another, failed to pick up the call when the presenters called. Wilbroda makes these improper utterances in the presence of a trained journalist.
Also in the same show, the presenters seemed to have switched careers from being journalists to therapists, for which they have no proper training, giving the audience a good reason to question their expertise. This session deals with real relationship problems and therefore requires an expert to weigh in on the matter.
Another listener from Homa Bay calls in to share her relationship problems to get advice. “Wewe ni side chick, wewe uko pale kwa sababu ya katiba,’’ Meshack, the show host, yells at the woman.
Seriously? Such unkind words thrown carelessly to hurting people seeking help? They can cause immense trauma to the listener since she trusts what the journalist says.
In the same show, adult content is aired during the watershed period. “Dadangu, akisoma katiba anasoma vizuri?’’ Although he employs the use of a euphemism, one can comprehend what they are talking about, and the language used is obscene.
This Milele FM.
Next case. Homeboyz radio. Same day. G-Money and Charlie Karuni make unpleasant comments on air about a Buru Buru family’s missing dog. The presenters criticise the family for offering Sh10,000 reward for the missing dog, saying the pet is not from any of Nairobi’s posh estates. “You mean Sh10,000 for a missing dog from Buru Buru? I thought you were going to say Karen or Muthaiga. A dog from Buru Buru should be Sh500.’’ These insensitive comments stereotype the audience according to imagined social classes. The remarks ended with the presenters sending an apology to the family.
Is it about competition for increasingly disinterested audiences or lack of radio broadcast ideas altogether?
