Cuss words and business journalism

Allen Wastler, the managing editor of CNBC.com, writes about the issue facing business journalists covering the Congressional hearings about Goldman Sachs earlier this week — do you use the cuss words spoken or not?

Wastler writes, “Journalistically the actual use of the word is valid: It is central to how a Goldman employee really felt about a certain deal…the profane nature of the remark drives the point home. And it’s a U.S. senator making the point.

“But you don’t want to throw profanity in people’s face. It’s impolite and in most cases  unnecessary.

“Nevertheless, opinions will differ, and you saw the disagreements across the media spectrum.

“Some avoided it all together, like one of our partners. They just referred to it as a ‘vulgarity.’ Others just straight out used the term—even some wire services, which isn’t usual and can be a problem for those of us who pick up automatic feeds.”

Read more here.