As a TV news anchor, I try to avoid cliches, because they turn up on the news (local and national) a lot. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard, "The investigation is continuing," I'd have some serious cash. I mean, that should be obvious. We all know that cops aren't going to leave the scene and say, "You know what? I'm stumped. Let's just go to Wendy's and hope the whole thing blows over."

And then there's "literally." Reporters often say, "Police are literally combing this neighborhood for clues." That must be one big comb.

They tell us about people who were in a "terrible accident," as opposed to a wonderful accident, I guess. They describe a "senseless crime" so you'll know it wasn't a meaningful crime. We are often told that an injured person has been taken to a "local" hospital. Thank goodness. If you ever see me in need of emergency care, please don't send me to a hospital a thousand miles away!

Sometimes they use a lot of words when only two will do. Doesn't "totally engulfed in flames" mean the same thing as "on fire?"

Remember when "Breaking News" meant something huge had just happened? Like a major earthquake, or perhaps an explosion. Now, the anger-tainment cable channels, yapping for attention like puppies at feeding time, will trumpet their "Breaking News" banner to breathlessly inform us that Britney Spears was arrested for DUI.

Many viewers complain when they see a reporter standing in the path of an oncoming storm, advising them how dangerous it is to stand in the path of an oncoming storm.

From the Department of Redundancy Department comes these gems: “Please help our local community!” Do we really need the word “local” in there? Or the cheery morning host who greets you by saying, “It's time to rise and shine, it's 7 a.m. In the morning!”

We hear some of the highest-paid news anchors in the world uttering these little nuggets: “Let's get to our top story because we have a lot to unpack.” (Oh? Have you been on a long vacation?)

Or this one: “This is a huge story, so let's dive right in!” (Sorry, you didn't tell me we were going swimming.)

How about: “Let's go live to Steve Stunning on Capitol Hill. Steve, can you walk us through this?” (Sure, Wolf. Just take my hand.)

When the anchor says to a guest, “Eggbert, the market is crashing, and some fear the worst. What say you?“ I wish the guest would reply, “Well, Linwood, me say don't panic.”

It's also amusing to hear a weather person look into the camera and say, “This is NOT the time to panic!” Okay then, so...what time will THAT be?

I've also heard meteorologists say, “We are about to have some weather today.” Doesn't that happen every day? And maybe it's just me, but when they talk about “the European model” predicting the weather, I usually think of Melania Trump.

I must also confess, when the news anchor says, “Here's a warning. The video we are about to show you may be disturbing,” I drop everything and pay even more attention.

Also, some news people think we know every acronym. They will say, “TDOC and the BOP are joining forces with the CCIPS to ensure that TFAS can no longer threaten your LDL-C. If you are experiencing problems, contact the CRRN or head to the ED. If not, you will be SOL.” I'll bet some people get PO'd when that happens.

I wish every reporter would correctly pronounce nuclear, especially, realtor, mountain, and important. In other words, not nook-ya-lur, ex-pecially, real-uh-tor, mou-in, and impor-ant.

There's also the bad segue, awkwardly transitioning from one story to another. For instance, the anchor will say, “Up next, tragedy in California. 14 people were aboard this plane, and there were no survivors. But first, you could score a free Slushie at Gas 'n Grub if you dress like a pirate tomorrow!”

So let me “break it down” for you. There's something in the air that could endanger your health. Find out on my website, or inside my app, a week from Thursday. Until then, stay safe everybody!

David Carroll is a Chattanooga news anchor, and his latest book is "I Won't Be Your Escape Goat," available from his website, ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. You may contact him at 900 Whitehall Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405, or at RadioTV2020@yahoo.com.