Do we really still need the 'newsreader' voice?

[GlumWithRum]

Hi,

It just seems so dated, unnecessary and quite frankly, just a bit odd now. Still feels a bit 1950's.

I'm assuming people know the voice I mean? Quite nasal, usually rather posh, almost strangulated in some cases. Very little variety of accents. Basically none.

I honestly wouldn't have an issue if that were their real voice, but it never is. An example would be Charlene White. On Loose Women she has a completely different voice! Don't get me wrong, I understand the tone will be very different as they're entirely different programmes, but to have a completely different voice is just ridiculous. I'm assuming this is encouraged by the producers.

A friend of mines friend is a newsreader and she days she doesn't recognise her at all when she's on TV/radio. One of our local newsreaders sounds almost comical.

Anyway, just wondered if it was me who thought this style of presenting was getting a bit dated.

There is a pattern to the delivery. It allows you to work out when to pay attention and when to let it wash over you.
The speed is not too fast to process but not so slow you lose focus.
The emphasis helps you understand what you’re hearing
There’s no hint of the broadcaster’s feelings.

It isn’t just about accent. It’s about comprehension, neutrality…

I've always been amused and fascinated in equal measure by the Scottish version of the newsreader voice. As you say, bears no resemblance to how anyone in Scotland talks!

I’m also fine with it, God forbid we go down the route of having news presenters who can barely speak clearly or pronounce things incorrectly.

Yeah Neil has a tiny hint of a Caribbean brogue and a very warm reassuring voice.

I've been watching some of the earlier 60s Dr Who's and everyone was so well spoken and in a dialect you don't hear now.

I like clear and well spoken news readers. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to some tv ads at the moment where crimes against speech drive me argh. ‘Meals’ pronounced ‘Meewuls’. The ad for the marvellous drama ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ where she says ‘verse the Post Office’ - just why, when that’s not how to pronounce it??

Enter Ritchie "diversity" Anderson. Not one broadcast without misusing the word "iconic".