Clarity begins at home

SIR: David Oldroyd-bolt’s Rant (March issue) prompts me to extend some of his thinking to Radio 4, BBC news and other outlets; and air my wonder at the diction – or lack of it – displayed by so many individual announcers, presenters and other participants.

I suppose to exclude from broadcasting those who have strong regional accents (genuine and to be valued, I know, but often difficult to comprehend for the ‘outsider’) might be seen as prejudice. But, surely, clear speech (I hesitate to say the Queen’s English) is a not unreasonable skill to demand, at least of those presenting information, if not of those employed as entertainers?

And, as for those afflicted with so called vocal fry, best that they be put in isolation until their throat complaint receives suitable medical attention!

Malcolm Mitchell, Kent