The Newsroom

BBC News 24: Presentation discussion

Graphics & set related (January 2008)

This site closed in March 2021 and is now a read-only archive
IT
itsrobert Founding member
Moz posted:
itsrobert posted:
Why can't the BBC punctuate USA when it is used in a sentence completely in capitals? For example, in lower case it is fine: 'Pope's US visit'. That's obvious that the Pope is visiting the United States. However, the headline aston has been saying 'POPE US VISIT'. I initially read that as 'us' rather than US. By simply punctuating properly, it becomes more readable: 'POPE'S U.S. VISIT'.

Because no-one uses full stops in abbreviations anymore. They look untidy. It's USA now, not U.S.A.


Yes, I'm aware of that. I don't usually use them either. However, my point is that when a sentence is written in capitals, it would be helpful to use them. It would just help viewers to read and understand it quicker.
MO
Moz
itsrobert posted:
Moz posted:
itsrobert posted:
Why can't the BBC punctuate USA when it is used in a sentence completely in capitals? For example, in lower case it is fine: 'Pope's US visit'. That's obvious that the Pope is visiting the United States. However, the headline aston has been saying 'POPE US VISIT'. I initially read that as 'us' rather than US. By simply punctuating properly, it becomes more readable: 'POPE'S U.S. VISIT'.

Because no-one uses full stops in abbreviations anymore. They look untidy. It's USA now, not U.S.A.


Yes, I'm aware of that. I don't usually use them either. However, my point is that when a sentence is written in capitals, it would be helpful to use them. It would just help viewers to read and understand it quicker.

Surely it'd be better for them to use sentence-case for the ticker.
IT
itsrobert Founding member
Moz posted:
itsrobert posted:
Moz posted:
itsrobert posted:
Why can't the BBC punctuate USA when it is used in a sentence completely in capitals? For example, in lower case it is fine: 'Pope's US visit'. That's obvious that the Pope is visiting the United States. However, the headline aston has been saying 'POPE US VISIT'. I initially read that as 'us' rather than US. By simply punctuating properly, it becomes more readable: 'POPE'S U.S. VISIT'.

Because no-one uses full stops in abbreviations anymore. They look untidy. It's USA now, not U.S.A.


Yes, I'm aware of that. I don't usually use them either. However, my point is that when a sentence is written in capitals, it would be helpful to use them. It would just help viewers to read and understand it quicker.

Surely it'd be better for them to use sentence-case for the ticker.


I'm not talking about the ticker specifically, but I do agree with you there. In my original post, I was talking about the headlines ASTON and the heading on the normal aston. Both of those are in upper case and it seems strange: "POPE'S US VISIT" - it is natural to read it as 'us' rather than 'United States'. Putting the correct punctuation in would be helpful.
MD
mdtauk
The reason they do it, is to make the letters stand out at such a small size, and to keep the ascender and descender heights identical filling the space.

Its not good for reading, which should be the focus, but it makes it stand out, and at small screen sizes, that seems to be their main concern. Hopefully come Monday it may be something they reconsider.
CH
Chie
itsrobert posted:
Why can't the BBC punctuate USA when it is used in a sentence completely in capitals? For example, in lower case it is fine: 'Pope's US visit'. That's obvious that the Pope is visiting the United States. However, the headline aston has been saying 'POPE US VISIT'. I initially read that as 'us' rather than US. By simply punctuating properly, it becomes more readable: 'POPE'S U.S. VISIT'.


'BROWN IN US'

That's the worst I've seen this week. I think they should make a policy of using 'USA' instead.
DE
deejay
Reminds me of Toys'R'Us! Ever thought, incidentally, what a silly name Toys'R'Us is? Are they implying that they are toys? Why is the R backwards?
SP
Spencer
Chie posted:
'BROWN IN US'

That's the worst I've seen this week.


What a horrible thought.

I was slightly amused in a sad way by the NUT CONFERENCE a couple of weeks ago. Pecans are big this year apparently.
HO
House
Spencer For Hire posted:
Chie posted:
'BROWN IN US'

That's the worst I've seen this week.


What a horrible thought.

I was slightly amused in a sad way by the NUT CONFERENCE a couple of weeks ago. Pecans are big this year apparently.
Sorry Spencer - Hazelnuts are all the rave this year!

On a serious note, how do people suggest they do it for something like 'NUT CONFERENCE' - the capitals add depth to what they're saying and make it seem more important (as news) and stand out.

With US they could simply put USA (regardless of the fact I read that 'usa') but what about other abbreviations?
JO
Joe
N.U.T.
HO
House
Jugalug posted:
N.U.T.
Or Beeb bosses could take the decision to rename such an organisation! (e.g. GET ON WITH IT AND STOP COMPLAINING)
ST
Stitch08
Why is Film 24 on now? It's an hour early.
JO
Joe
You did put your clock forward the other week didn't you? Wink

Newer posts