Why Do So Many Tv Presenters Mis-Pronounce So Many Common Words?

[Simphoniste]

For example, when spelling a word vocally, or reading abbreviations, such as HGV, they pronounce the first letter 'Haitch'.
You won't find 'haitch' in the dictionary, only the correct spelling aitch.

[Bert45]

In answer to Cloverjo's unspoken question, there is no good reason, no reason at all, for pronouncing 'machismo' as 'ma-KIZ-mo'. After all, I don't suppose that they pronounce the adjective 'macho' as 'MA-ko'. When we adopt words from foreign languages we usually keep the foreign pronunciation: nouvelle cuisine, schadenfreude, sang froid, chez nous, and many more. It is much too late to save 'pistachio' (actually 'pistacchio' in Italian) and probably too late to save 'bruschetta'. But let's not give up on machismo, chorizo and dissect.

[Paul22118]

This question has touched a nerve with many ABers, me included. My usual solution is to switch off - job done. However, there are some programmes I really like so persevere. Homes Under the Hammer is one such. I tolerate Dion Dublin's haitches but get irritated when they are in Wales and make half hearted attempts at place naming. They are in Wales, ask any local how you pronounce Pontypridd and they will tell you pont - ur - preeth. Because in Welsh two DD makes TH. One D makes D. Welsh is totally phonetic. Know the alphabet and you know the pronunciation. I despair sometimes. I expect our Scottish readers climb the walls similarly.