He said:

[Scotty108]

Is it ever okay to introduce a quotation this way? I always thought that only an independent clause should introduce a quote.

It seems to me it should always be "he said,".

[Bufty]

Yes.

What is the full quote that is worrying you?

[bagels]

The newspaper industry's command of the English language has gotten progressively worse in recent years. CNN is probably one of the worst (for example, they've had misspellings in their top headline). A friend of mine who works for a major U.S. newspaper has told me that the guys at the top view the newsroom as the easiest to cut and that includes the editing staff.

In other words, I would be wary of following any of the print media's conventions anymore whether on paper or online.

[Scotty108]

The newspaper industry's command of the English language has gotten progressively worse in recent years. CNN is probably one of the worst (for example, they've had misspellings in their top headline). A friend of mine who works for a major U.S. newspaper has told me that the guys at the top view the newsroom as the easiest to cut and that includes the editing staff.

In other words, I would be wary of following any of the print media's conventions anymore whether on paper or online.

Right.

I haven't really seen the "he said:" or "she asked:" anywhere else. Maybe it is okay, but it just seems wrong to me.

[Bufty]

You asked if it was ever okay.

What is it that is worrying you about this? Is it the use of a colon instead of a comma?

You mentioned 'quotations', but if it's dialogue you are concerned with, presumably in a story or novel, stick to your 'he said' format with the comma either before or after, as you choose.

Newspapers use the colon here, too, when quoting reported conversations. It's not wrong -it's just how they choose to do it.

Right.

I haven't really seen the "he said:" or "she asked:" anywhere else. Maybe it is okay, but it just seems wrong to me.

[veronie]

I'm a newspaper copy editor. I've seen the "He said:" construction used in newspapers, but not many other places. Still, it is not the best way to attribute quotes.

It might not be completely fair to compare CNN, which is more concerned with video production, with other print media. But, you're point is still valid -- English skills have declined, especially at smaller newspapers. You'll still find high standards at larger papers, such as The New York Times. Also, keep in mind that newspapers produce and edit thousands of words everyday, so there are going to be more mistakes. It's not like a book where you have more time to check and recheck the copy before it goes to press.

[blacbird]

I recall that I have seen this punctuational variation in fiction, but can't recall where. It's not standard, but is clear, and to me, inoffensive. I wouldn't use it, though.

caw