Ban on pessimism

The management of the Portuguese news agency Lusa has reportedly banned its business journalists from using the word "stagnation". The daily Jornal de Negócios comments: "I perfectly agree with Lusa boss Miguel Viana. Although 'stagnation' accurately describes the country's situation - in all areas - it is an insult to the government and Prime Minister [José Sócrates], who are doing everything in their power to make the Portuguese happy. The director would be well advised to compile a list of banned words for Lusa. Perhaps this could also be adopted by news programmes on public television and radio. Above all the word 'recession' should be banned. 'Crisis' should also go out of print, particularly in connection with 'politics' and the 'economy'. ... Perhaps the words 'protest' and 'strike' should also be forbidden, and if possible 'opposition', too. All for the good of the nation."

» full article (external link, Portuguese)
More from the press review on the subject » Print media, » Online media, » Portugal