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How should the ‘N word’ be used in news?

WASHINGTON – It’s a racially sensitive issue. Should broadcast reporters and anchors actually say the “N word” when reporting on a story where someone has made a racist comment?

The issue has come up since CNN aired a story in which a reporter quoted the word during a report on the three African-Americans killed in Tulsa, Okla.

Whoopi Goldberg on “The View” argued the word should be used.

“Every time you make it the ‘N word,’ it’s cute. Do not eliminate it. It’s part of our history,” she said.

Ironically, Goldberg’s use of the word was dropped during the show.

What do you think? Should TV and radio reporters use the actual word when it’s involved in a story with racial overtones, or should they always call it the “N word?” Or is there no place for this word on the airwaves? Post a comment in this story, comment on WTOP’s Facebook Page or use #WTOPTalkback on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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