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Journalists Say the Popular "Mic Drop" is Dangerous

University of Oxford

A growing trend has broadcast journalists across the country concerned. The phenomenon known as the “mic drop”—when someone drops a microphone for added emphasis—has nearly caused injury for many reporters. Now, this potentially dangerous trend has come to Oregon.

Stand-up comedians and hip hop artists have used the so-called “mic drop” for decades. The current obsession, however, can be traced back to President Barack Obama. On a 2012 episode of The Tonight Show Obama talked about student loans and then, reportedly, dropped the microphone.
But it’s not just the president and comedians. KLCC news reporter Tiffany Eckert recalls an interview with Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy:
Eckert: “I was speaking with Mayor Piercy when she just grabbed my microphone.”
Piercy: “Yeah, I had something to say, so I just took the mic, and then I dropped it.”
Eckert: “And this isn’t the first time! I’ve had to replace at least 6 microphones in the last year.”
Eckert says the so-called “mic drop” is not just expensive for reporters, it’s dangerous. She says people might trip on a cord or a falling mic could break a toe.  
Eckert is not alone. Radio and TV journalists across the country report an increase in near injuries due to the “mic drop.” Reporters are urging people to consider other ways of emphasizing their point, and to use caution if they must perform a “mic drop.”