You've reached our premium or archival content
To access this page, and more great content just like it, you need to become a paid subscriber.
If you already have an account, please login.
Otherwise, registration is quick and you'll have access instantly after payment.
Wasn't the F word passed through the courts as no longer offensive? (Might need backup for that) .. and look at TV. The F word gets mentioned time after time after 8:30pm. Maybe for radio from 8, 9, or 10pm the F word is allowed. Could our freedom of speech be crushed anymore? The language should be fine, but in moderation. Not all the time. If the word slips, so be it.
I guess television has started getting away with it because they put a very bold statement up at the begining of the show to warn you that it will contain corse language. If there is a complaint, then they can always say, but we told you at the start. I guess if radio had a similar message at the start of a show that was to contain language, that justifies the language being there is someone complains. It would depend on your demo I guess. Does the F word offend anyone these days?, havent we all become desensitised to it? The only word I know left to offend people with starts with C!
The Sydney Morning Herald had an article on this topic some time last year. The headline was something like, 'The decline in safe family radio listening in Australia'. It was centered around broadcasting standards and how it has slipped in recent years, eg. language and smutty humour as far as mothers of younger kids are concerned. Very interesting reading! Just in recent days I heard a newsreader say "Austraya" instead of "Australia". Not once but three times in the bulletin. Half an hour later, they did the same thing twice in the news read. It's the little things like that we don't seem to take much note of any more it seems. When it comes to on-air conduct, a tutor once told me "When you're on air, you have been invited into someone's home. Behave as any guest would. In a responsible non-smutty fashion." Those words have stuck with me. I don't think we have stooped that low across the board really. Different age groups expect different entertainment. But I must say, "Austraya" makes me cringe!!!
Perfect example of "cursing"... Gone With The Wind
"Frankly my dear, I don't give a DAMN".
back when that movie was made, then DAMN was considered a swear word as bad as F**k. (I would swear in here but I don't know if it would actually get printed). You say DAMN now.. hardly anyone gives a f**k... (pun intended). Everyone says damn.. or crap... why not f**k? Don't say it intentionally, but if it gets blurted out... don't "crap" on about some "damn" word!!! (pun intended yet again)
Frankly, Mathew Fulton may be pushing the envelope a bit suggesting "Damn" was the 1939 equivalent of "Fuck". Damn is merely a derivation of "Damnation" which was commonly used in all levels of society at that time, and was hardly considered a swear word. If memory serves me right, you may even find it liberally sprinkled throughout the Bible (although it's a long time since I tripped off to Sunday school).
The real question regarding language on radio today, is whether or not radio is reflecting society's standards or trying to lead them - the latter I think. Whilst many people (including myself) use profane language in private, the general rule is that you curb your tongue in public unless you're absolutely sure you won't offend anyone present.
When you're on-air, can you be that certain?
Swearing on radio (and TV for that matter) was originally used for shock value - or to demonstrate just how cool you were, but these days it's just plain boring. If "Fuck" is the best descriptive word an announcer can find in his/her vocabulary, it's probably time to find another job. This perhaps segues the argument into the increasing use of "comedians" on radio these days, who mostly get their laughs by swearing - a pretty fair indication of the lack of depth in their material. Great comedy (from the Goons to Kath & Kim) does not rely on how many "rude" words it contains, but the quality of the writing and delivery. The same should apply to radio in 2003.
why do we have to use foul language anyway, is it COOL ?, just because our target audience use it doesn't mean we have to, just cause they get away with it on TV doesn't mean we have to, come on guys use some brains , lets have some standards here. nothing wrong with a bit of tounge in cheek stuff, have a listen to Seinfeld , they've touched on masturbation, private parts , homosexuality, sex but have never mentioned these words .it's all in the delivery, besides why do you have to say FUCK anyway on air , save it for the bedroom or if you're not so lucky down at the pub when someone knocks the drink outta ya hand
You know you shouldn't swear. It's vulgar, risky, offensive, inappropriate and plebeian. But if you're determined to continue anyway, by damn, you ought to do it right!
Used properly, swearing can actually work for you. It can be disarming and suggest you are leveling with people and that you won't be shocked or fall apart under pressure. It can add a light touch in a tense situation.
If done well, swearing can be very chic -- add to your charm and bon vivance. People will see it more as colorful language than actual swearing.
Dropping a swear word in a place where it does not belong as a means of humorous emphasis can be a delight -- especially if all the other words are high-sounding and dignified.
It can also be used effectively for emphasis. But in all uses of profanity, you need to go by the rules.......1. Don't swear in writing.
Proper swearing is an aural phenomenon, designed to be heard, not seen. Words that were so funny at the cocktail party look atrocious scrawled on a wall or written in a report.
2. Don't swear early in the day.
Good swearing is like good liquor. Late in the day or evening when people are beginning to relax, a well placed profanity can be a great pick-me-up.
3. Don't swear on radio or TV or into a recording device.
At worst, recorded or broadcast swearing will be played back at the wrong time, in the wrong context, and to the wrong audience. At best, the radio people will just hate you intensely for knocking them off the air.
If you aren't comfortable swearing, don't.
Foul language... it is only foul in your own point of view. Different opinions from different people. It doesn't just rotate around the current style of music too or the latest trends, or even the youth. That's just stereotyping.
I am not saying to curse on purpose during the day on air or whatever, just do what the tv stations do - put it on after 8:30 with a warning or something...
I congratulate JJJ for being different.
I thought radio was a progressive, modern and open-minded industry. Reading some of these posts reminds me of going to church! Sure, swearing's not always warranted, I can't see Alan Jones' audience appreciating it, but announcers like Adam & Will on Triple J often use it to great effect. And the argument 'but they're on Triple J' is irrelevant - listeners don't care whether or not a station is run by the government, they listen to something because they like it. I can't believe some of the preachy old prudes who have posted messages here - FUCK, SHIT, whatever, these are all WORDS with MEANINGS! They're in the dictionary, they may be too short to make you feel clever for using them, but they're perfectly legitimate. All that matters is whether the MEANING of the word is offensive (which is why I do have an exception - I don't use the "C" word because its meaning is disgusting).
I HATE the fact that there is no regard for listener sensibilities.
My children, unfortunatly, think that "Well Dad, it's just ANOTHER word"......NO!!! It is NOT just another word....It's nasty, derogatory,degrading and should only be used in the bedroom when asked for by an excited partner. I once got suspended for letting a guest say "Bloody" on Radio. Let's show decorum and professionalism.
Why to do you keep referring to "Fuck" as a sexual word? It has more meanings than that. Look it up in the Macquarie Dictionary.(http://www.macquariedictionary.com.au)
It is Colloquial language - and has more than one meaning.
You should be able to use it, but only if it accidently slips. But not intentionally.
I remember Zoe Sheridan during her shift on 2DAY FM accidently letting it slip. It was quite amusing.
Only use it if you can use the words in an appropriate way and to great effect. There are different audiences out there for different things. You cannot please everyone no matter what you do.
Matthew Fulton, go down to the corner store and buy yourself some brains, no make that common sense, announcers are professional broadcasters , not guys hauling garbage for a living, sure if it slips out when the computer crashes or whatever ,thats understandable, but to say fuck and the like cause its the new done thing, NO you're barking up the wrong tree, by the way do you work in radio??
How about we keep the gutter mouth behaviour in the pool rooms and not over the public domain airwaves. I'm no prude, but there is only one person who uses the f-word with style, grace and perfect timing and that's the lad from Scotland! Billy Connolly!
Anon.. use your real name. I'm not afraid to. At least I have the guts to say what I think.
Read my other comments.. use late at night.. but only if it is necessary.
I am not stating it as a "new found thing". I was referring to "colloquial" because most refer the word to sex.
I work in radio. Never you mind.
Keep those comments about me not having brains and/or common sense to Private messaging. I don't insult you.
thankyou.
Did we all see denton on monday night! mmmmm but this is radio and that was TV. but then again it was the ABC at 9 30 at night.
Well, if you don't want swearing on radio, do not play songs with swearing or with it censored as it still encourages where the word was - there are other words which are still considered offensive by others.
Piss, shit, crap, bitch, bastard, damn, poo, idiot, wanker, slut, mole, dumbass, scum (Good ol' John Laws)
don't tell me that talk shows DON'T use those words. If they can use those, then fuck is in the same category. It is equally offensive to every single other word that is used.
At the end of the day could it be seen as a two way street?
It's only a word some might say, and can't people switch off their radio. Yes they can, which is why perhaps it should policed by each individual station (like it really is now anyway)
If a radio station feels that it is unacceptable to broadcast the word f**k then there you have it. They feel that is too threatening to their listeners. Alternatively if another station has another mandate... well goodo to them too (and I hope he's cute!)
Children, who ever said Fuck was was the term being used? Maybe those old fashioned farts should consider exactly what is being said on radio opposed to what they THINK is being said on radio
Have you ever received a letter/email from a listener saying you were the worst jock they'd ever heard, that you were useless, had no talent (maybe even a wanker) etc? If there wasn't a name/address on it did you take any notice or just file it in the nearest recepticle? Same applies to "Forum" correspondence.
It is what people can find offensive Peter. You may not find wanker, idiot, etc offensive, but someone will out there.