LETTER: Overuse of ‘Bullish’ in ABS News Reporting Has Become a Tiring Cliché: Time for a Vocabulary Upgrade

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Garfield Burford/ Social Media Photo

Letter to the Editor: Time to Expand Vocabulary in News Reporting

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Dear Editor,

I write to express a growing concern about the frequent use of the term “bullish” in ABS TV/Radio’s news reports.

Since the term was introduced into local reporting around 2018, when a particular reporter arrived from abroad, its usage has become more than noticeable—it has become excessive.

A quick search of your website and social media platforms reveals that “bullish” has appeared in headlines over 700 times since 2018.

Quite frankly, the word has become a cliché, and its repeated use is both tiresome and annoying.

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While “bullish” may convey confidence and optimism, there is a vast array of words and expressions that can better capture the nuances of different stories.

I encourage ABS TV/Radio to consider broadening the vocabulary used in its reporting to keep the news dynamic and engaging for viewers.

Here are some alternative words and phrases to consider:

  • Optimistic
  • Confident
  • Upbeat
  • Hopeful
  • Encouraged
  • Enthusiastic
  • Positive
  • Assured
  • Hopeful for growth
  • Sanguine
  • Encouraging
  • Confident about prospects

By varying your language, ABS TV/Radio can avoid falling into the trap of overused expressions and add more depth and precision to its storytelling.

The news becomes more compelling and enjoyable when fresh, descriptive language is used to highlight the unique aspects of each situation.

I hope you will consider this suggestion, and I look forward to seeing a more creative and diverse approach to news reporting from ABS TV/Radio in the future.

Sincerely,
Mr Read A Lot

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31 COMMENTS

  1. overuse of “JAMAICAN WIFE” has become tiring for supporters of Richard Lewis. Why the CHAOS DEMON undermine richard because of his wife nationality? #XenophobicUPP

  2. That article is so narrow-minded and vitriolic. If you had questions for Mr. Burford, you could have sent him a message personally or to ABS directly; didn’t have to put that here. However your xenophobia is clear here. I wonder if you’d have done it similarly had it been Terry or Patrice. You tried to humiliate Mr. Burford but it is more a reflection on you than on him nor his vocabulary. You guys complained about his colorfully extensive vocabulary and when he gives you what you asked (toned down) and now you vilify him for that. If I were Mr. Burford, I would use the word “bullish” repeatedly in the newscast tonight. You are insulting while at the same time lacking the capacity of Mr. Burford to use words appropriately. We know where you got the suggested list from and that doesn’t make you to appear any smarter. You are obviously not bullish enough to be in the same space as Nr. Burford. Shallow people seldomly reveal their name lest all others know them personally as shallow, and That’s you.

  3. It’s fascinating how there are little or no comments on worthwhile milestones reached, projects started, and events taking place throughout the length and breath of Antigua/Barbuda. However we fond time to write a whole article on Mr. Burford’s use of the word bullish. I guess that’s the ultimate freedom of expression.

  4. Let’s also highlight when that same reporter uses the incorrect pronunciation of the word prioritize. Stop saying “PRIORITARIZE”! There is no such word!

  5. I was just saying I would love to see reporters read the news with their normal tone, and pronunciation. Instead of this “news reporter” type speaking.

    I get distracted by the distraction that is not natural and get embarrassed watching. I say this in general.

  6. ABS itself is bullish on kicking out staff that don’t support the government. Look how they got rid of all of them for a bunch of YES men and Women!

  7. That word is always in my thought, hoping the assets I invest in will stay bullish, because I invest in a couple of markets especially crypto, maybe the man invest in some kind of market and always thinking bullish, you’ll give the man a break.

    You’ll need to grow up and do some positive investments and stop berating people, maybe then, you’ll may understand the positive importance of the word bullish, give me a break.

  8. @ Mr Raad a Lot, like me you are a like minded individual who loves wordplay and you come over as a great logomaniac. Wonderful sir!

    I dislike lazy writers who uses the same said words (and used 3-4 times in a sentence!!! All because they don’t educate themselves to use other or equivalent words.

    With over 170,000 words in the dictionary (hell, I’ve probably used over 150,000 myself on ANR threads 😁), there’s just no excuse, especially for a news outlet like ABS – the political mouthpiece for the ABLP.

    LETTER OF THE WEEK SO FAR … 👍🏾

  9. Do not blame the news reporters. We present our stories and it’s always edited to include this particular word. In fact we have no creative freedom. The work we present is always moulded in the style of one individual. Truth is, this issue has been raised in editorial meetings.

  10. Arm!!!………. and thanks to you and your lack of comment regarding projects etc, the article was fuel. Thank you!!…

    You are not as smart as you want to present yourself.

  11. The quality of ABS is being diluted daily and sadly masked with the efforts of color via social media. The ghettoness of the Station manager has seeped into the establishment in the presentations and most recently the news in Dialect. Excuse me! The news should be about information not clownish entertainment.

  12. @Mr Read A Lot, quite frankly reading your narcissistic whinging about something so irrelevant is tiresome. No one f@#$ing cares. Read more books. Write less pompous crap.

  13. Thank you for sharing your perspective, but I believe you’ve missed the point of the article. The issue raised is not about any individual, including Mr. Burford, nor is it rooted in xenophobia or personal attacks. The focus of the letter was to highlight a valid concern about the repetitive use of the word “bullish” in ABS TV/Radio’s news reports, which has become cliché. This isn’t a critique of any single reporter, but rather a constructive suggestion to enrich the language used in reporting to keep the audience engaged.

    Regarding your point about vocabulary, the intention was never to “humiliate” or “vilify” anyone for their word choice. As journalists and content creators, it’s important to evolve and adapt to keep news interesting. Repetitive use of any word—no matter how appropriate in some instances—diminishes its impact. Hence, the suggestions were provided to encourage variety, not to undermine Mr. Burford’s abilities.

    Your personal attacks on my intentions, and your assumptions about my motivations, reflect more on your willingness to engage in an open discussion than on the substance of my argument. The aim here is to improve the quality of our media, which benefits everyone. It’s about diversity in language, not a judgment of character.

    As for your remarks about anonymity, the conversation here is about journalistic standards, not personal attacks or ego. Let’s keep it professional and focused on the bigger picture: improving the variety and depth in our local reporting for the benefit of all viewers.

  14. I know this may not be posted, as per a couple other of my comments, but I’ll say my piece anyway.
    …..and once again, the negative mention of a Jamaican (in this case the famous/infamous Garfield Burford) creates a frenzy. The Jamaican brand never fails to draw attention to your (most times) uninteresting and dumb posts/letters. Tsk tsk tsk

    What a waste of brain cells?

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