Who's Afraid of Ayesha Rascoe?
John, I am so happy that you did this subject. I am a generally conservative white Male, decidedly un-woke, 70, gay and retired. I was a radio and TV news guy for 30 years, always on air. And it so happens that I’m a stickler for correct grammar and pronunciation. In fact, I frequently complain to my partner about errors I see and hear in graphics and voiceovers on CNN, MSNBC and the rest, but also on the legacy players’ newscasts: CBS News, NBC News and ABC News.
It is shocking and disheartening to see and hear what gets on the air these days. Actually, worse than bad grammar, usage and pronunciation, it is NPR’s ceaseless pandering to identity politics in its coverage and approach that make it so bad. I thoroughly support efforts to cut off NPR funding for good. That’s how offensive it is to me.
On the usage and grammar front, though, I suspect much of is due to the layoffs of the folks we used to call “copy editors.” When I retired from CNBC in 2005, I transitioned to media training, as do many of us former air folk. And I was actually paid to work on voice and diction of some well known CEOs and other C-suite executives. I generally push for calm, reassuring and authoritative.
All of which is to say I find it ironic that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HEARING AYESHA RASCOE ON SUNDAY mornings on NPR. Yes, you can tell she’s likely African-American, but so what? Why is that bad? As long as she (like anyone else on air) uses the language responsibly, so that the vast majority of her listeners can understand her. And that’s true of those using any regionalisms or patois. Her demeanor and general diction are absolutely fine. She delivers carefully and is aware of how she sounds. She is skillful in the way she modulates her tones. Critics may say she’s “working it” a bit, but I say good!
John, I find her real and sincere and generally charming. Also curious and playful and all the things you want an anchor on that day and at that hour to be. I’m an unabashed AYESHA fan and I hope she stays on air forever!
Garrett Glaser
CNBC Correspondent (RETIRED)
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