Offensive Language Spoken on Morning Radio Programs

Abstract

A content analysis examined offensive language spoken on popular morning radio programs on the five highest-rated radio stations offering live-streaming audio over the Internet in the top 10 US markets. While concerns over indecency have long existed, renewed interest in the issue of indecency on television and radio was sparked during the 2004 Super Bowl half-time show and, as evident in the 2007 firing of radio personality Don Imus, continues to be of concern today. The purpose of this study was to identify the amount and kind of offensive language spoken on-air. Overall, there were 872 instances of offensive language or 4.36 words spoken per hour. Of these, words classified as mild (words such as ''hell'' and ''damn'') were the largest proportion (40.9%). The bulk of crude language was spoken on Rock and Popular formats. Additionally, broadcasts in the northeast part of the country contained significantly more instances of offensive language.

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“…and release their emotions, frustrations, and aggression verbally rather than physically (Sitohang & Mansur, 2021). Swearing is the cultural verbal expression or an aggressive release accompanied with frustration (Fitzgerald, 2007).…”

“…Showing provocation and aggression is to provoke people into violent confrontations and actions (Fitzgerald, 2007).…”

An Analysis of Taboo Words and Euphemisms Found in the Characters’ Utterances in the Movie Entitled “The Purge: Election Year”

“…The cathartic purpose is served in the use of offensive language since it allows the speakers to reduce and to release their emotions, frustrations, and aggression verbally rather than physically. Moreover, according to Montagu (Fitzgerald, 2007) states that swearing is the cultural verbal expression or a release of aggressiveness accompanied with frustration.…”