cursing on the radio

mirandamiranda · Sep 14, 2010

I am writing a story for an NPR (National Public Radio) competition and I feel a need for an expletive. It is spoken aloud, in the context of a character nearly having an accident and swearing in shock and fear. However I am aware that public radio will not be able to include certain words seen as inappropriate. It is for the American Life program if that makes a difference at all.

I am British, so I am not completely familiar with the relative 'badness' of swear words in the US, and I would be grateful if anyone could help me out. I was thinking of using the word 'hell' - would this be ok? Or is there something better I could use?

Chris P · Sep 14, 2010

I think hell is fine; I've heard worse on NPR. However, a quick email to NPR would clear this up conclusively.

Maryn · Sep 14, 2010

Hell is definitely okay for broadcast in the US.

Maryn, hellish

mirandamiranda · Sep 14, 2010

Thanks! You never know in a strange place what people will take offense at... Or at least censor

johnnysannie · Sep 15, 2010

Hell will pass; many other swear words won't. Most radio stations have a 5-7 second delay so that any foul language can be cut before it hits the airwaves,even smaller podunk stations.

(I spent almost a decade working in broadcast radio)

Sitka · Dec 28, 2010

First, yes, "hell" would be o.k.

Also, maybe it was a typo, but make sure that you get the name correct: it's called "This American Life." Also, it is not a part of NPR. It is produced out of WBEG in Chicago and distributed by American Public Radio. It is heard on NPR, but not technically an NPR show.

Check out TAL's website --- they have good instructions and hints on submitting. Good luck --- hope to hear your story!

cursing on the radio

mirandamiranda

Chris P

Likes metaphors mixed, not stirred

Maryn

I Tried

mirandamiranda

johnnysannie

Sitka