Language Disaster

This afternoon we had our second rainstorm in two days. Fortunately it caused no trouble and I am sure the gardens all benefitted. Had there been any ill effects, the News Editors from both radio and television would have launched into their stories with their favourite word that they toss into any "disaster" story. I believe they do this sadistic act only because they know that News Readers, almost without exception, will repetitiously mutilate it. The word is "havoc" !!
They love it ! Dictionaries give the last vowel a neutral sound; something like "uh". Perhaps a careless pedant might be forgiven for the use of a final short "o". However, a majority of News Readers lazily seem to prefer the short "i" sound, so that every cyclone creates Havick; earthquates create Havick; bushfires cause Havick; bombs, battles, uprisings, floods, droughts, all enjoy a bit of Havick. We know that the results of these occurrences can impact distastrously upon people, but this does not excuse the careless approach to the story, and indeed the lazy mispronunciation distracts from and minimizes the importance of the event. It seems a long time ago since the ABC promoted a standard in pronunciation and grammar. Now it appears that almost anything goes. One is left with a feeling that speech coaches are now retired rappers ( or rapsters) who enjoy the Havick caused by speech mutilation. Listeners deserve the courtesy of care and correctness. The facts of life dictate that polemics such as this will have little or no effect on the situation. However, I'm sure it will enable me to bear up more bravely under future havoc attacks.