“…shot to death, allegedly, by this man”

Standard

Useless Neutrality: “…shot to death, allegedly, by this man…”

It’s not alleged if it’s undisputed, even by the shooter. Painfully neutral newscaster language is the worst, meant to least offend the sensibility at the expense of information. Zimmerman said he shot him. Witnesses said Zimmerman shot him. No one disputes that Zimmerman shot Martin in the chest. It’s not presumptuous or unfair to say Zimmerman shot Martin.

When a newscaster uses this language irrespective of the facts established and admissions of people involved it weakens the value of the news report.