On the Podium

As I watched the Olympics, I was pleased to see a record being set for the correct usage of the word “podium." Before each awards ceremony, the announcers said that the medalists would stand on the podium.

That's in contrast to the barrage of news broadcasts and political talk shows at the local and national levels. According to the Associated Press stylebook, which journalists and commentators should follow, speakers stand BEHIND a lectern and ON a podium or rostrum.

There, I feel better getting that out of my system!