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November 7, 1993
MEMORANDUM FOR CAPRICIA PENAVIC MARSHALL
FROM:
Kim
SUBJECT:
NBC's "Christmas in Washington"
It sounds like many of your questions may have already been answered about the
program, but here's some information on the NBC event as pulled from the
Washington Post for the past several years. Let me know if you need anything else.
Began in the early 80's. It was and still is an invitation-only, family, bi-
partisan event (FYI, Mel French attended last year.)
The President and the First Lady have attended every performance except for
'90 when President Bush had the flu. Barbara Bush represented him and made
remarks at the conclusion of the program in his place.
It's not uncommon for the First Family and extended Family to attend (Doro
and Bobby Koch, the LeBlond children and Marshall and Margaret Bush
attended a few times with the Bushes.)
The show has traditionally been held in the National Building Museum and
National Pension Building (I think they may be one and the same.)
are first the
The event benefits Children's Hospital National Medical Center) both in dollar
donations and in presents for the patients. The last mention of gifts for the
Brung gift?
to
patients was in '89 so I'm not sure they still do this. In '84 it was specifically
mentioned that the President and First Lady each placed a Cabbage Patch doll
under the Christmas tree.
At the program's conclusion, the President and First Lady go up on stage and
the President makes remarks (if the First Lady speaks, it's quite brief and
usually not reported.) The President delivers a holiday message although the
content has sometimes been political. There also seems to be frequent mention
of the military as in '92 when Bush said first "help a neighbor in need, make
sure every child has someone they can turn to, someone who knows their
name (sounds like "Cheers") and then "to say a special prayer for our troops in
Somalia. Their mission is noble and just, and we wish them a safe return."
And then again in '90 when Barbara Bush, standing in for the President, said
"It is impossible to forget the brave men and women [in the Persian Gulf]
standing strong."
Previous sponsors of the show include: NBC, AT&T, Fore Division of Ford
Motor Co., and USF&G
Because the building is so beautifully decorated, the decorations have been left
behind for another nonprofit group to use ('87 - Christmas for the Homeless
Committee)
During the '87 show, there was a taped segment of Nancy Reagan in the White
House library discussing the history of White House Christmas Cards
Program is taped and aired shortly afterward in mid-December.
CLOTHING
Festive but not black tie '91 - Bush wore a red and green tie/B2 wore a Santa
Claus watch -- I'm sure she wore something more but that's all that was
reported. '89 - Bush - candy-striped tie, B2 - purple and pearls
Reagans: '87 - Reagan - navy suit and a tie w/ Christmas trees, NR - black
velvet suit, white lace blouse & pearl necklace & brooch
11/09/93 12:30
202 296 8344
GEORGE STEVENS
001
NEW
LIBERTY
PRODUCTIONS
INC.
*
Sm
SUNDAY
FAX TRANSMITTAL
DATE:
November 8, 1993
TO:
Patti Solis
456-2317
FAX:
FROM:
George Stevens, Jr.
PHONE: 202/416-7960
FAX:
202/296-8344
NO. OF PAGES (Including fax cover sheet) 4
MESSAGES
Dear Patti:
Ann Stock asked that I send you a copy of
this memo regarding the December 12th
"Christmas in Washington" event.
If you have any questions I can be reached
at 202/416-7960.
am
GS:tmf
Extended Page
1.1
THE KENNEDY CENTER, WASHINGTON, DC 20566
TELEPHONE 201 416 7960
FAX 202 296 8344
11/09/93
12:31
202 296 8344
GEORGE STEVENS
002
November 8, 1993
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Ann Stock
FROM:
George Stevens, Jr.
RE:
"Christmas in Washington"
I thought it might be helpful to provide you with a memorandum of the matters that need to
be covered for the "Christmas in Washington" event.
SUMMARY
This will be the twelfth annual "Christmas in Washington" concert for the benefit of
Children's Hospital. It takes place at the National Building Museum on Sunday,
December 12. The concert begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be over before 7:15 p.m. The
President and First Lady are asked to arrive at the National Building Museum at 5:30 p.m.
to place a gift for the children at Children's Hospital under the Christmas tree and to meet
the cast and other VIPs associated with the "Christmas in Washington" concert.
"Christmas in Washington" will be broadcast on NBC.
Here are items for follow up:
I. FIRST LADY'S PARTICIPATION
?
You and I discussed the possibility of our vidcotaping a three minute segment at the White
House that would involve the First Lady talking of the White House Christmas traditions
and showing the crafts and decorations that represent the Clinton's first White House
Christmas. We would need to videotape this during the week preceding the show. We
would recommend Wednesday, December 8 or Thursday, December 9. It requires three
hours of setup time for our lights and cameras. The taping of the First Lady can be ac-
complished in one hour after the sclup is complete. We would prepare a script for your
review and have the First Lady's approved text on cue cards for the taping.
11/09/93
12:31
202 296 8344
GEORGE STEVENS
003
MEMORANDUM
November 8, 1993
Page Two
Ш. THE PRESIDENT'S PARTICIPATION
Toward the end of the concert the President and First Lady are invited to come onto
the stage from their seats in the front row. The stage is a three-step stage and a podium
will be set for the President. He is asked to speak for two to three minutes and it is
essentially an opportunity for a brief Christmas greeting to the nation. He can use
podium cards at the podium and. if he wishes, we can also place his remarks on the
teleprompter that is at the back of the seating area. If the speech writer wishes to
speak with me I can be reached at 202/416-7960.
After his remarks, the President and First Lady join with the cast and the U.S. Naval
Academy Glee Club in singing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." This concludes the
program and the President and First Lady exit directly from the stage.
?
NBC hosts a reception for the audience and cast at the opposite end of the Building
Museum following the show. The President and First Lady may wish to make a brief
appearance there before leaving the building.
III. INVITED GUESTS
Those attending the "Christmas in Washington" concert are invited by NBC and consist
largely of members of Congress and their families and members of the executive branch
and their families. We hope that the President and First Lady will consider bringing
Chelsea and she may wish to invite some of her friends. It is very much a family event.
Each of the invited guests brings a gift for a child at Children's Hospital and NBC and
the sponsors make a contribution to Children's Hospital which each year results in the
hospital being able to buy a new piece of equipment.
Naturally, if there is anyone that President and Mrs. Clinton would like to have invited
to "Christmas in Washington" we would be pleased to take care of that.
IV. CAST
The cast for this year's "Christmas in Washington" includes: Mary-Chapin Carpenter,
Patti LaBelle, Aaron Neville and Wynton Marsalis. The United States Naval Academy
Glee Club, the Eastern High School Choir and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will
also be performing. On occasion in the past, the President and First Lady have elected
to invite the cast back to the White House after the show. This has often been spon-
taneous and there is no expectation on the part of the cast that this will take place.
11/09/93
12:32
202 296 8344
GEORGE STEVENS
004
MEMORANDUM
November 8, 1993
Page Three
V. BROADCAST DATE
"Christmas in Washington" will be broadcast on NBC on Wednesday, December 15
(three days after the concert at the National Building Museum), from 10:00 to
11:00 p.m. It will follow the two hour Bob Hope retrospective Christmas special.
If you or Patti Solis wish any further information you can reach me at 202/416-7960.
May I leave it in your hands to coordinate with the President's staff to the extent necessary?
Thank you, Ann.
GS:tmf
cc: Patti Solis
Grons
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
Stephanie Street
Patti Solis
X- mas- Fill
FROM:
Ann Stock
DATE:
October 19, 1993
Attached is the information from George Stevens regarding the NBC
broadcast of "Christmas in Washington".
On June 29th I forwarded this to Marsha Hale and I understood she
had accepted December 12th as the date and put this on the
President's schedule.
That is why we didn't have it here.
Maggie Williams
cc: Roy Neel
the " go -ahead" on This in June
Deorge says Marcia gave him
Itis an how taping on Dec. be
RCV BY:
:10-18-93 ; 5:24PM ;
202 296 8344->
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 2
June 29, 1993
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Ann Stock
Marcia Hale
FROM:
George Stevens, Jr.
RE:
"Christmas in Washington"
I want to provide you with information about "Christmas in Washington" so that the
participation of the President and Hillary Rodham Clinton in the continuation of this event
may be considered. "Christmas in Washington" has taken place in each of the last ten
years on the second Sunday in December at the National Building Museum and it has been
broadcast to the nation on the NBC television network. During these years Children's
Hospital has benefited from the show.
The performance involves the stars from the world of music, as well as the United
States Naval Academy Glee Club and other choral groups, ranging from the Eastern
High School Choir to the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir to the Soul Children of
Chicago to the Vienna Boys Choir. Guest artists have included such as Julie
Andrews, Aretha Franklin, Reba McEntire, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Natalie
Cole, Andy Williams, and Diahann Carroll. Classical artists including Kathleen
Battle, Barbara Hendricks, James Galway, Midori and Frederica Von Stade have
appeared on "Christmas in Washington."
NBC and the sponsors of the program underwrite all costs and invite leaders of
the Washington community, including members of Congress, leaders from the
Executive Branch and members of the Supreme Court, among others, to attend a
Christmas concert on a Sunday evening in December. The invitations are for the
individual and his or her family and each family is asked to bring presents that are
placed under the tree for the youngsters at Children's Hospital. In addition to the
presents for the children, the network and the sponsors make a cash contribution
which, in the past, has gone to Children's Hospital.
We would ask that Hillary Rodham Clinton either select a charity of her choice or
elect to continue the support of Children's Hospital.
We would also like to tape a segment at the White House where Mrs. Clinton
could speak of the tradition of Christmas at the White House - or a segment which
would deal with Children's Hospital or whatever charity is selected. This segment
could relate to health care for children or whatever theme might be appropriate in
Christmas setting
RCV BY:
10-18-93 ; 5:25PM :.
202 296 8344->
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 3
MEMORANDUM
June 29, 1993
Page Two
We would like to plan "Christmas in Washington" for Sunday evening, December 12 of
this year. Customarily, the President and First Lady arrive at the National Building
Museum at 5:45 p.m. for a brief meeting with the cast and other VIPs. The performance
begins at 6:00 and is over before 7:00. The traditional ending of the program is for the
President to give a brief Christmas message to the country from the stage which is fol-
lowed by the President and First Lady joining the cast and choirs in singing "Hark the
Herald Angels Sing."
"Christmas in Washington" is always an uplifting and joyful family occasion which cele-
brates the holidays. The national telecast on NBC brings this occasion into the homes of
the American people and the response has always been extremely positive. I know that
if you should choose to continue this program with Children's Hospital those involved at
Children's would be enormously grateful, because they find that it brings their good
works to the attention of government leaders and a large national television audience.
We hope that the President and the First Lady will find this to be a tradition that they
would consider worth continuing.
If you have any questions I would be happy to meet and discuss this in more detail. I
could also provide a videotape to provide a feeling for the setting and the ambience and
the overall quality of "Christmas in Washington."
GS:tmf
ange
RCV BY:
:10-18-93 ; 5:24PM ;
202 296 8344->
SOCIAL OFFICE:# 1
GEORGE STEVENS PRODUCTIONS
FAX TRANSMITTAL SHEET
DATE:
October 18, 1993
TO:
Ann Stock
FAX#:
456-6235
FROM:
George Stevens, Jr.
FAX#:
202-296-8344
PHONE#: 202-416-7960
NO. OF PAGES (including this sheet)
3
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
MESSAGE
Dear Ann:
Here is my June 29 memorandum to you and Marcia Hale
concerning "Christmas in Washington" that will take
place on Sunday evening, December 12, at the National
Building Museum.
We propose that the President and First Lady arrive at
the National Building Museum at 5:30 and the program
will conclude not later than 7:15.
The other information is in the memorandum and we can
work to refine the details with respect to the President's
and Hillary's participation.
Thanks very much.
JAME
GS:dmc
THE ELVES
Christmas in Washington 1993
ELF NAME
AGE
ELF HISTORY
MISS JORDAN JONES
5 years old Sophmore Elf
Parents: Ms. Jacqueline Bowens and Mr. Curtis Jones
she, Director of Community and Goverment Relations,
Children's National Medical Center
School: TBA
MASTER MICHAEL "MICKEY" GRAHAM
3 years old Freshman Elf
Parents: Ms. Christine Varney and Mr. Thomas Graham
she, Secretary of the Cabinet
School: NCRC School, Washington, D.C.
MISS KRISTEN HOLMES
7 years old Freshman Elf
Parents: Ms. Lois Romano and Mr. Sven Holmes
School: Lafayette Elementary School, Washington, D.C.
MASTER ALEX LEACH
5 years old Freshman Elf
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. David Leach
he, Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
School: TBA
MASTER THURGOOD WILLIAM MARSHALL III 5 years old Freshman Elf
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Thurgood "Goody" Marshall, Jr.
Grandmother in audience: Mrs. Cecilia Marshall
School: "Just Us Kids", Arlington, Virginia
Copyright 1992 The Washington Post
The Washington Post
December 15, 1992, Tuesday, Final Edition
Correction Appended
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE D3; THE RELIABLE SOURCE
LENGTH: 890 words
HEADLINE: THE RELIABLE SOURCE
SERIES: Occasional
BYLINE: Lois Romano
BODY:
WE'VE HEARD THAT
Even though there are oodles of names floating around for White House social
secretary, word is that Hillary Clinton settled on someone weeks ago. Among those
getting the great mention, but not necessarily selected: Susan O'Neill, daughter of former
House speaker Tip O'Neill; events planner Carolyn Peachey; National Theatre VP Alma
Viator; Liz Stevens, wife of AFI co-chair George; Bloomingdale's exec Ann Stock; Doris
Matsui, wife of Rep. Bob; Colleen Nunn, wife of Sen. Sam; and Hillary pal Melan
Verveer, who's actually a policy type, but who's also been helping the future First Lady
on transition matters.
For all of you who thought you were being clever by sending in videocassette re'sume's
to the Clinton transition office, we have bad news: No one has the time to watch them.
Re'sume's are being read and categorized by a computer these days, so better get your
job pitch down on paper.
Outgoing Secretary of Health and Human Services Louis Sullivan is considering
several offers to return to academia. Sullivan -- who was president of Morehouse
College's School of Medicine in Atlanta before coming to Washington -- says "you can
bet the rent" that he'll be heading back to the South.
Howard Paster, on leave as head of Hill & Knowlton here to work on the transition,
will be handling the congressional confirmation process for appointees, putting him one
step closer to being named White House congressional liaison. Clint Eastwood topped
the Los Angeles Film Critics Association list of best picks for '92 with five awards for his
western "Unforgiven," including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor -- for
Eastwood himself.
The Hollywood Women's Press Club gave Madonna its Sour Apple award at its annual
Golden Apple Awards. The Sour Apple goes to the performer deemed the least
newsworthy or most taken with his or her publicity. Golden winners -- Tom Cruise and
Geena Davis this year -- are selected on the basis of their friendliness to the media.
Arkansas Sen. David Pryor, a close friend of Bill Clinton's, is recovering at home in
Little Rock from successful triple bypass surgery. He made his first public appearance
there last week when Sen. Lloyd Bentsen was nominated as treasury secretary and hopes
to make the inauguration. After all, his office has already received more that 3,000
requests for tickets to see the home-state fellow sworn in.
The Soul Children of Chicago Choir, in town over the weekend to perform at NBC's
"Christmas in Washington," may be coming back next month. It has been invited to sing
at the inauguration, says director Walt Whitman, and is trying to raise the trip money.
Now that Dan Quayle's out of the picture, Murphy Brown's got her eye on an
inaugural ball. According to a casting notice, an upcoming episode of the CBS sitcom has
Brown (Candice Bergen) on the prowl for a suitable escort.
Peabo Bryson, in town over the weekend, says he wasn't at all offended by that odd
press release ex-flame Juanita Leonard put out recently announcing that they are no
longer an item. "I don't think the statement was meant to be derogatory toward me.
We love each other as friends," said the singer. And then he added enthusiastically: "I am
a bachelor again. You can write that."
From the Younger Generation, a Vote Too Late
"I voted for you!" shouted one second-grader during a party for local schoolchildren at
the White House yesterday. Unfortunately, Barbara Bush couldn't hear the youngster for
all the chatter -- but possibly her co-host, Millie the dog, did.
The 250 kids were generally well behaved, except for some who asked the First Lady if
they were going to get any juice with the cookies she was promising them. "I know you'll
all have a wonderful Christmas with your families, sharing the greatest gift of all love
for one another," Mrs. Bush told them.
And some of them laughed -- not at the message, but at that perennial upstager,
Millie, who was nonchalantly ambling around the stage.
Windows on Washington: Got Those Union Blues
Windows Catering, a tony local firm, got a rude slap in the ways of Washington last
week.
The company says it had a verbal agreement with the congressional inaugural
committee to handle the swearing-in lunch until the local union got involved. A union
official accused Windows of misrepresenting its nonunion status to the committee. A few
days later, Windows was told it was out, and that the bidding would be reopened.
"Here Bill Clinton is saying he wants to help small businesses, while the unions use
pressure to take business away," complains co-owner Carol Blum. "It's not right."
Ron Richardson, CEO of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 25, complains
that the inaugural organizers "didn't even give union caterers a chance to bid. We now
have a Democratic administration that professes to care about working conditions and
lives. Organized workers should get a shot." As for the inaugural committee, Executive
Director John Chambers says there was never a contract with Windows.
And yes, the job has gone to B&B Caterers -- a union shop.
Quote of the Day "The chart you had was very moving."
Clinton musing at yesterday's economic summit in Little Rock to one of the attendees,
thereby confirming that this will indeed be a touchy-feely four years.
CORRECTION-DATE: December 16, 1992, Wednesday, Final Edition
CORRECTION:
The name of Carol Bloom, the owner of Windows Catering Co., was misspelled in
Style yesterday.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, HILLARY'S POISED TO PICK A SECRETARY TOO; BELOW,
TOM CRUISE EARNS A GOLDEN APPLE. AP; PHOTO; PHOTO, CRAIG
HERNDON
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1992 Reuters Limited
The Reuter Washington Report
December 13, 1992, Sunday, BC cycle
LENGTH: 563 words
HEADLINE: THE REUTER DAYBOOK
BODY:
Sunday, Dec. 13, 1992
The daybook editor is Steve Ginsburg. Tim Ahmann, Eric Beech, Melissa Bland, Will
Nash, Peter Ramjug and Paul Schomer also are available to help you. If you have
information for the daybook or any questions, please call 202-898-8345 or fax 202-
898-8401. For service problems call 1-800-435-0101.
All times listed below are eastern, and all addresses and telephone numbers are in
Washington, unless noted.
PRESIDENT BUSH'S SCHEDULE
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Attends the taping of NBC's "Christmas in Washington" program,
which will air on Dec. 19. The program will be hosted by actress Julie Andrews. National
Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
PRESIDENT-ELECT CLINTON'S SCHEDULE
In Little Rock, Ark.
SECRETARY OF STATE LAWRENCE EAGLEBURGER
In Stockholm to attend the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
ministerial meeting.
GENERAL NEWS EVENTS
10 a.m. -- JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ONE ON ONE (NBC):
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler recaps the controversies
under his watch, including food labeling, new drug approval process and breast implants.
Proprietary to the United Press International 1985
December 21, 1985, Saturday, BC cycle
ADVANCED-DATE: December 18, 1985, Wednesday, BC cycle
SECTION: Commentary
LENGTH: 588 words
HEADLINE: Backstairs at the White House
BYLINE: By HELEN THOMAS, UPI White House Reporter
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
LEAD: President and Mrs. Reagan have been on a heavy round of Christmas parties and
socializing during the current season.
BODY:
President and Mrs. Reagan have been on a heavy round of Christmas partiesand
socializing during the current season.
In some ways, the president has been more visible at the Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts than at the White House where coverage of his offcial activities has
been severely limited.
Despite the legislative pressure of the dying days of Congress, the Reagans have been
stepping out a lot, and hosting parties and receptions galore in a fast paced holiday
schedule.
The Reagans' merry-go-round began early in the month when they attended a Variety
Club salute to the president in Los Angeles.
Afterward, they attended the Kennedy Center Honors program in Washington and a
few days later attended a dinner in New York honoring conservative columnist William
Buckley and the 30th anniversary of his magazine, National Review.
The Reagans then launched a series of Christmas parties, with receptions for
Congress, the press, their staff, official and household and members of the Secret Service
and White House police.
Last Saturday, the Reagans were honored at a dinner by members of the Reagan
Library Foundation. The following day they went to the Washington National Museum
for the NBC Christmas program taping.
On Monday, the first couple attended a dinner at the home of former CIA director
Richard Helms with actor Rex Harrison and Mrs. Harrison among the guests.
Tuesday evening, the Reagans went to see their old friend, Claudette Colbert, in the
stage play "Aren't We All," at the Kennedy Center.
All this says a lot for the 74-year-old president's enormous stamina.
The president drew loud laughter in lobbying for his tax revision planrecently when he
said; "It's hard to realize that a senator back in 1911, when they were debating the first
income tax amendment, was literally laughed out of politics and lost his office because in
opposing the income tax, he said, 'Why, the way this is worded some day we could find a
government could take even as much as 10 percent of a man's earnings.'
"And they thought that was so ridiculous that they literally, as I say, laughed him out
of politics. Well, wouldn't it be nice to be back there. In the business I used to be in
(Hollywood actor), it was good enough for an agent."
Reagan also told the tax supporters: "The Lord says that his share is atenth. We
believe in tithing, but when you start computing Caesar's share nowadays -- and the Lord
said, 'If I profit you 10 times as much, you will give 10 times as much.' Now, in Caesar's
case, if he profits you 10 times as much, you give 50 times as much -- to him."
Deputy press secretary Larry Speakes sometimes lectures reporters.
In a mini-debate with UPI's Ira Allen and Bruce Drake of the New York Daily News
recently, Speakes told Drake:
"I don't mean to be ugly to you and Ira, but..." The reponse from Drake was: "Go
ahead. I want to bring out the best in you."
Former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski acknowledges that hehas lost
power now that he is no longer at the White House. But Jimmy Carter's foreign policy
adviser says that he can still play a role on the national scene by exerting influence -- to
try to move policy in the direction he prefers.
He has been consulted by the White House in the Reagan administration and is
keeping his hand in.
He recalls that he once complained to Carter during his White House years that he
was being subjected to heavy criticism by the media.
"That's why you're here," Carter told him.
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These materials
may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press.
December 9, 1984, Sunday, AM cycle
SECTION: Washington Dateline
LENGTH: 321 words
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
President Reagan joined the cast of a Christmas television show on stage Sunday night
in singing "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" and wished the audience a happy holiday
season.
Reagan and his wife, Nancy, were guests of honor at the taping of NBC's "Christmas
in Washington" special, which was being recorded for broadcast Dec. 16.
The holiday show, taped at the old Pension Building in downtown Washington, was
produced for the benefit of the Children's Hospital National Medical Center.
Sitting in the front row of an audience of more than 1,000 guests including White
House aides, Cabinet officers, ambassadors and members of Congress the president
-
joined in clapping to the beat of spirited gospel music by the Shiloh Baptist Church
Choir of Washington.
The 70-minute show also included Hal Linden, Nell Carter, Donnie and Marie
Osmond and the Osmond brothers, and opera soprano Frederica Von Stade.
At the conclusion of the show, Reagan went on stage and introduced Danny
LaBoccetta of Queens, N.Y., who designed this year's Santa Claus postage stamp.
Reagan called the Christmas season "a time of miracles, the warmth of giving and fairy
tales come true."
Like other members of the audience, the Reagans were asked to bring a gift to be
donated to the children's hospital. Reagan and his wife each placed a Cabbage Patch
doll under a large Christmas tree.
At one point, a 9-year-old boy made his way into a roped-off press area and began to
shout questions at Reagan.
"Mr. Reagan!" yelled Sean Hardman, of suburban Kensington, Md. "Do you know
me?"
The president caught the boy out of the corner of his eye and leaned over briefly to
shake his hand. Then he returned to pose for pictures in front of the Christmas tree.
Undaunted, Sean persisted. "Hey, Reagan," he said. "Mr. Reagan. I heard you won. I
heard you won the election."
With a bemused grin, the president replied, "I scraped through."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1987 The Washington Post
The Washington Post
December 14, 1987, Monday, Final Edition
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE D1
LENGTH: 742 words
HEADLINE: In the Spirit of Peace;
Reagans Lead a Joyful Holiday Special
BYLINE: Jacqueline Trescott, Washington Post Staff Writer
BODY:
As President and Mrs. Reagan solemnly chanted the Christmas refrain "peace on
earth" last night, the word "peace" seemed to take on a special meaning.
The first couple, attending the annual taping of NBC's "Christmas in Washington"
special at the National Building Museum, exchanged moist and smiling looks as they
sang. The invited audience of Washington political and media powers crackled not only
with the spirit of the evening, but also with the spirit of the week that saw the United
States and the Soviet Union sign a treaty.
Before the president joined the caroling on stage he delivered his own holiday
message. Retelling the biblical story of the first Christmas, he said, "We must always
remember that message first sung by angels almost 2,000 years ago: Peace on earth,
goodwill toward men. Twenty centuries later their song remains humanity's prayer."
Though Reagan didn't directly mention last week's accomplishments, others certainly
linked the evening's euphoria with the president's success. Country singer Barbara
Mandrell, the show's emcee, said, "The hope of the summit is still in the air. This year
there is a greater spirit of peace on earth."
By now the hourlong taping and lavish reception are Washington institutions.
Decorations of Christmas trees, antique dolls, a giant sled with four reindeer, and strings
of bows and lights filled almost every foot of the mammoth Building Museum. The tables
groaned under sweets, drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and were adorned with giant
gingerbread houses, toy soldiers and Santas.
The guests, who included Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci, Education Secretary
William Bennett, Labor Secretary-designate Ann Dore McLaughlin, Rep. Bob Michel,
and Sens. John Warner and Bill Bradley, brought their families and gifts for the patients
at Children's Hospital. The children and grandchildren of the establishment were dressed
in their holiday finery, with all the Esprit and Guess regalia exchanged for miles of
velvet, lace and taffeta.
Besides Mandrell, the performers for the show, which will be shown Dec. 21 on
Channel 4, were Jack Jones, Marilyn McCoo, the Vienna Choir Boys, the Brunson
Brothers, violinist Stefan Milenkovic, the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, the Naval
Academy Glee Club and the Army Herald Trumpets.
The Reagans appeared to be relaxed and exuberant. The president was wearing a navy
suit and a tie festooned with Christmas trees, and the first lady wore a black velvet suit
with a white lace blouse and pearl necklace and brooch. Before taking his front-row seat,
the president could be seen peering from behind a red curtain. While he was waiting for
the signal to come out, the president poured eggnog for his wife and George Stevens Jr.,
the show's executive producer, Stevens said. "He poured and we drank a toast to his
treaty."
Later, while looking at NBC correspondent Chris Wallace, Reagan jested, "It is a
pleasure to see you when you don't have to shout a question."
During the show, Wallace introduced a taped segment of Nancy Reagan in the White
House library discussing the history of White House Christmas cards. "I think I have
saved every card sent to me by my children, my mother and father, and old friends I
haven't seen for a long time," she says. She shows the cards sent by the Franklin
Roosevelts, the Eisenhowers, the Kennedys, the Johnsons, the Nixons, the Fords and the
Carters. The Reagans have sent cards created by American artists depicting the White
House.
"That little light you see is my little room where I am busily wrapping Christmas
presents," Mrs. Reagan says, pointing to a Jamie Wyeth work showing a darkened
mansion with one light burning. Another, also by Wyeth, has squirrel tracks in the snow
leading up to the White House. "We bring in nuts from Camp David and put them in A
front of the Oval Office door so [the squirrels] can feed themselves."
Milenkovic, a 10-year-old violinist from Belgrade, was introduced by Mandrell as the
"Paganini of our age." He played the "Ave Maria" alone; originally his mother had
planned to accompany him on the piano, but her music was misplaced.
Reflecting on the spirit of the evening, Sarah Brady, who accompanied her husband
Press Secretary James Brady, said, "There was a real feeling of tranquillity and I was so
glad Barbara Mandrell brought it up. This sort of starts the Christmas season. Now I'm
going to go home and start wrapping Christmas presents."
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, NANCY REAGAN AND THE PRESIDENT SINGING
CHRISTMAS CAROLS LAST NIGHT. RAY LUSTIG
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1989 The Washington Post
The Washington Post
December 11, 1989, Monday, Final Edition
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE B1
LENGTH: 657 words
HEADLINE: Starlit 'Christmas' Night;
The Bushes Join In for NBC's Annual Show
SERIES: Occasional
BYLINE: Barbara Feinman, Special to The Washington Post
BODY:
There are some things in Washington you can count on.
One of the nicer ones is NBC's "Christmas in Washington." Last night the president,
sporting a candy-striped tie, and Barbara Bush, in purple and pearls (does she ever take
them off?), had front-row center seats for the eighth annual Yuletide extravaganza, and
they seemed full of Christmas cheer.
The show was bright with stars, both up on stage (Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone,
Olivia Newton-John, Michael W. Smith, flutist James Galway and the U.S. Naval
Academy Glee Club) and in the audience (various Cabinet members, congressmen and
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor). Once again, the National Building
Museum served as the perfect setting, its halls decked with boughs of holly and its guests
all decked out in black and red velvet.
George Stevens Jr., the show's executive producer, was on hand to get the program
rolling. Coaxing four tiny "elves" onto the stage, Stevens said, "A lot of people don't think
elves are important. They think movie stars and anchormen are important. But around
here, elves are important." One of the elves pulled his hat down over his face.
The beaming First Couple sang along, obviously enjoying the entertainment. When the
singing group Take 6 came on, Mrs. Bush began to tap her foot and soon her date was
too. And when the Eastern High School Choir received thunderous applause, the First
Lady mouthed repeatedly to them, "You are wonderful." A few seats away, Marvin and
Margaret Bush took turns holding their squirming daughter Marshall on their laps.
About the only ones who weren't clapping and smiling were the Secret Service men, and
even they, once in a while, looked happy.
At the show's finale, the president and First Lady stepped up on stage. "Barbara and I
don't usually get to see this many stars If said Bush. "I think finally somebody
understood what I meant by a thousand points of light."
After the hour-long show, which is to be broadcast next Monday at 10 p.m. on NBC,
there was a reception with overflowing refreshment tables, mingling minstrels, clowns
and an occasional elf. One of the four elves was Jordan Bryant, son of Rep. John Bryant
(D-Tex.). The younger Bryant worked the party in his elfin garb, his little elf shoes
jingling. This was Jordan's fourth year as an elf and he appeared a bit jaded by the
whole affair. When asked if he was nervous up there onstage in front of the president et
al., the 7-year-old spit his ice cube back in his soft drink and replied, "Nope."
The room was packed and the guests bumped into each other, especially those
desperately seeking autographs from celebrities desperately trying to get away. One of
those stars was Mervyn Warren, 25, of Take 6, who categorized his group as
"contemporary Christian a cappella pop jazz." Signing record albums and programs,
Warren said he had to catch a plane to Los Angeles and slowly inched away. In another
corner, Olivia Newton-John was doing a tango with an "Entertainment Tonight"
entourage. She gave up and stopped for a sound bite, talking softly into the "ET" mike. "I
have to run, really," she begged, breaking away from the lights and cameras.
Nearby, Virginia's Sen. John Warner was enjoying himself. He said he had commuted
from Middleburg just for the show "because I love Christmas, I love the music. I'm still a
little boy at heart."
Just a few feet away from the senator, one mother was giving her young daughter a
history lesson. "He was married to Elizabeth Taylor," she explained not sotto voce
enough.
"His only claim to fame was his marriage to Liz Taylor," one man said to another,
without a hint of Christmas good cheer.
But that's okay, for there was plenty of cheer to go around. The sponsors of the
evening -- NBC, AT&T, Ford Division of Ford Motor Co. and USF&G -- are donating $
40,000 to Children's Hospital, and the guests had filled the halls with presents for the
young patients.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, AT NBC'S "CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON" SHOW, FROM
LEFT: BARBARA BUSH, VIC DAMONE, DIAHANN CARROLL, PRESIDENT
BUSH AND JAMES GALWAY. GERALD MARTINEAU
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1991 News World Communications, Inc.
The Washington Times
December 17, 1991, Tuesday, Final Edition
SECTION: Part E; LIFE; ABOUT TOWN; Pg. E2
LENGTH: 631 words
HEADLINE: Christmas merriment to benefit sick kids
BYLINE: Anne Gowen; THE WASHINGTON TIMES
BODY:
Ater weeks of warm weather, a chill blew in for Sunday's taping of Christmas in
Washington," an NBC holiday show at the National Building Museum.
Just in time, because the wintry night put everyone in the Christmas spirit.President
Bush donned a red and green tie. Barbara Bush wore her Santa Claus wristwatch.
But nobody seemed concerned about any chill emanating from the nearby
NBCstudios, where six Democratic presidential candidates braved their first televised
debate.
"Christmas is a time to enter that childlike state of dreams and wishes, "the man whose
job they want told the audience of politicians and their families.
"Find a way to give of yourself," Mr. Bush urged. "Help a stranger as apoint of light.
Make sure that every child knows that someone loves him."
Because the event benefited Children's Hospital , there were plenty ofyoungsters
around to see performances by singers Johnny Mathis, Anne Murray, Vince Gill and
Anita Baker. Five little elves, including Bush grandchildren Marshall and Ellie, helped
add pointy-toed atmosphere to the museum hall, which was strung with garlands and
festooned with 46 evergreen trees.
"We usually go skiing at Christmas, so this is something new and differentfor us," said
National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman Lynne Cheney, greeting Health and
Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan, wife Ginger, son Paul (a doctor), daughter
Shanta (in television) and son Halsted (a first-year law student at Harvard University).
Secretary of State Dick Cheney got a hearty handshake from Mr. Bush, whobreezed
in with his wife, daughter-in-law Margaret Bush, daughter Doro Bush LeBlond,
grandchildren Sam and Ellie and the Rev. Billy Graham.
A Christmas medley opened the show. Then Mr. Mathis - who said, "Christmasis my
favorite time of year and my favorite kind of music" - got teary-eyed singing "The
Christmas Song" (chestnuts roasting and all that).
But despite such diplays of emotion, the president, a country music didn't perk up
until Mr. Gill came onstage.
The Grammy-award winning crooner, blushing modestly, sang "I'll be home
forChristmas," surrounded by the women of the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club.
"You better be," Mr. Bush said as Mrs. Bush swatted him on the arm.
"I was terrified," Mr. Gill confided afterward. "This is a little bit outof my depth, the
orchestration and all that. But I'm having a ball."
Members of the District's Eastern High School Choir flocked around MissBaker, who
said her Christmas wish was "that everybody return to that feeling about Christmas you
have when you're 12 years old."
At 15, Eastern High's Taj Grayson was close, but all he cared about wasgetting a
fast-and-easy Christmas gift for his mother. He was trying to grab Mr. Mathis'
autograph.
Kansas Rep. Jim Slattery was one Democrat not watching the debate. Instead, he was
helping himself to food at the crowded buffet, wondering where his sons Jason, 13, and
Michael, 10, were.
"This is what the holidays in Washington are all about," he said.
On hand were Georgette Mosbacher (sans husband/Commerce Secretary Robert), pal
Deborah Dingell of General Motors with hubby and Michigan Rep. John, Joint Chiefs
of Staff Chairman Colin Powell and wife Alma, South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond
and the "Today" show's Katie Couric with her husband, Washington lawyer Jay Monahan.
"Christmas in Washington" will air tomorrow at 10 p.m. on NBC affiliatesacross the
nation.
The reviews aren't yet out, but at least one guest left pleased by all thecaroling,
trumpet fanfare and merrymaking.
"The best ever," pronounced the first lady's press secretary, Anna Perez ,as she made
her way out the door.
GRAPHIC: Photos, A) Singer Anita Baker with members of the Eastern High School
Choir; B) Vince Gill and daughter Jennifer with George Stevens Jr.; C) NBC's
Christmas in Washington special. Center from left: President Bush, Anne Murray,
Johnny Mathis, Anita Baker, Vince Gill, Barbara Bush and Gregory Jefferson. In
background are members of the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and the Eastern High
School Choir; D) President and Mrs. Bush pose with the elves; E) Flutist Gregory
Jefferson, age 15, All By Manny Rocca/The Washington Times
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1992 News World Communications, Inc.
The Washington Times
December 15, 1992, Tuesday, Final Edition
SECTION: Part E; LIFE; ABOUT TOWN; Pg. E2
LENGTH: 778 words
HEADLINE: Stars shine at city's holiday celebration
BYLINE: Anne Gowen; THE WASHINGTON TIMES
BODY:
What would Christmas in Washington be without NBC's "Christmas in Washington,"
the annual over-sweet sugarplum of a variety show, part kiddie-fest, part carol-showcase
that this year brought in the likes of singers Peabo Bryson, Julie Andrews and Neil
Diamond?
As usual, a variety of Capitol Hill movers and shakers came down to sip hotcider and
watch the show with President and Barbara Bush at the National Building Museum
Sunday night. And again as usual, it was the last big reception before the "in" crowd -
or, "Inside the Beltway" crowd, anyway - takes off for holiday soujourns in home states or
warm vacation locales.
One familiar face in the crowd not venturing back to home territory wasembattled
Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood.
He said he would be spending the holidays here in Washington, and his sonBill would
be coming to visit.
"It's not been one of my better weeks," he said, referring to last week'spress
conference, his first public appearance since 16 women charged he had made unwelcome
sexual advances toward them during his 24-year Senate career.
He repeated his VOW not to resign his Senate seat: "You bet I'm holdingfirm, yes." he
said.
The Bushes - flanked by daughter Dorothy Koch and her husband,
Bobby,grandchildren Ellie and Sam LeBlond and Marshall Bush and daughter-in-law
Margaret Bush - seemed to be having a fine time, even though there was no country
music on the program this year.
The president had teased grandchildren Ellie and Marshall, who were dressedas elves
for the occasion. ("Those elf shoes don't really have a lot of traction, do they?" he asked
them.)
During the show, the president sang along when Mr. Diamond did his take onthe old
Cat Stevens tune "Morning Has Broken," while Mr. Bush's daughter Doro, ever
emotional, wiped away tears. Mr. Diamond got a big thumbs-up from the president.
In his remarks following the show, Mr. Bush urged the audience to, thisseason, "help
a neighbor in need, make sure every child has someone they can turn to, someone who
knows their name." But most importantly, he said, to "say a special prayer for our troops
in Somalia. Their mission is noble and just, and we wish them a safe return."
The true show-stealers of the evening were the Soul Children of Chicago, achoir
made up of Windy City school children ages 7 to 17. Eighty members of the group
endured a tough, 21-hour bus ride through Friday's snowy weather to make the show.
The energetic 32-year-old founder/director, Walt Whitman (yes, that's hisreal name,
and "My business manager's name is George Washington," he whispered), said his group
felt "a little tension" performing for the president, but having appeared on both "Real
Life with Jane Pauley" and "CBS This Morning" they quickly overcame it. Their gospel
version of "Joy to the World" brought down the house.
Afterward, Miss Andrews - her blond hair now dyed red - said for her, it was quite
intimidating to have [the Bushes] right there in front of you." She said she loves the
Christmas season, and "I do love that music, it's very special to my heart."
Miss Andrews, married to director Blake Edwards, said she would spendChristmas in
Europe with her family. She said she would be starring in an off-Broadway show,
opening in March, based on the music of Stephen Sondheim.
The program raised funds for Washington Children's Hospital and will airSaturday
(also headlining with Miss Andrews, Mr. Diamond and Mr. Bryson was classical
violinist Midori, who made her television debut on a "Christmas in Washington" program
10 years ago).
Among the guests were Vice President and Marilyn Quayle, Housing and
UrbanDevelopment Secretary Jack Kemp and wife Joanne, Michigan Sen. Don Riegle
(his daughter, Ashley, was another elf), South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond, former
Reagan aide Michael Deaver, Health and Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan and
wife Ginger, Barbara Bush's press secretary, Anna Perez, Colorado Rep. Patricia
Schroeder, NBC's Tim Russert and wife Maureen Orth of Vanity Fair and a
pre-performance, high-energy knot of blondes that included Washington novelist Sally
Quinn (with hubby Ben Bradlee) and Deborah Dingell, wife of Michigan Rep. John.
With the garlands strung throughout the museum and a rousing finish of "Harkthe
Herald Angels Sing," the holiday spirit was definitely in the air.
And now for Mr. Kemp. Were you, sir, naughty or nice this year?
He thought for a while.
"Nice," said the president's most outspoken Cabinet member.
GRAPHIC: Photos, A) Rep. Pat Schroeder, Susan Blumenthal, Deborah Dingell; B)
From left, Peabo Bryson, Julie Andrews, Barbara Bush, Neil Diamond and President
Bush; C) Patsy Smullin, Sen. Bob Packwood and Anna Perez; D) Muffy Brandon, Mary
Mel French, co-chairwoman of the Clinton-Gore inaugural, and Caroline Deaver, All By
Vivian Ronay/The Washington Times
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1992 Gannett Company, Inc.
USA TODAY
December 18, 1992, Friday, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: LIFE; Pg. 3D
LENGTH: 126 words
HEADLINE: A Diamond for Christmas
BYLINE: Donna Gable
BODY:
Neil Diamond and Julie Andrews take center stage on NBC's Christmas
in Washington Saturday.
Airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT,
the show, taped last Sunday, features holiday music with Peabo Bryson, violinist Midori,
the United States Army Herald Trumpets and the Soul Children of Chicago.
Diamond's first holiday album, Christmas Album, is just out. For him, the gala
summoned ghosts of Christmas past. "Being here is a throwback to my high school days
singing with the choir," he said. "Only this time the lead singer is Julie Andrews."
The Soul Children of Chicago, ages 7-17, rehearsed just after a 20-hour bus trip. "The
kids are just glad to be here," said parent Amelda Johnson "They're out there singing
like it was a two-hour trip."
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, b/w, Eugene Adebari, HBO
CUTLINE: NEIL DIAMOND: The singer's first holiday album is just out.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
10:30 a.m. -- (ZIONISM) LECTURE -- Alfred Gottschalk,president of the Jewish
Institute of Religion at Hebrew Union College, addresses the topic, "The Crossroads of
Zionism," in a lecture to the Washington Hebrew Congregation.
Location: Macomb Street at Massachusetts Avenue NWContact: Scott Cohen,
202-232-6872
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. -- (CHILDREN/VIOLENCE) MEETING -- TheNational
Rainbow Coalition and the Citizenship Education Fund, in conjunction with Safeway,
Coca Cola and Giant Food, sponsors a "Stop the Violence; Save Our Children" meeting
for parents, educators and students.
Location: Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 901 Third St. NW
Contact: 202-728-1180
2:30 p.m. -- (HAITI/OAS) MEETING -- The Organization ofAmerican States hosts
an Ad Hoc Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Haiti. On Monday, Dec. 14, and
Tuesday, Dec. 15, the OAS General Assembly will hold a special session to consider
amendments to the OAS Charter and foreign affairs ministers hold an ad hoc meeting on
Peru. On Tuesday, Dec. 15, the assembly holds a second special session to elect a
member of the Inter- American Juridical Committee.
Location: OAS, 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Contact: Miguel Frankenfeld, 202-458-6206 or 6220
Note: Media interested in covering any of these eventsare requested to register in
advance by faxing the name, the media organization and the type of credential that will
be shown when picking up OAS credentials to 202-458-6421. There will be a press
documents and credentials desk in the hall of the first floor of the building. It opens at I
p.m. today.
4:30 p.m. -- (MANAGEMENT) CONFERENCE -- The American Societyof
Association Executives holds its Tenth Management Conference focusing on quality
business management, communication,
education and other channels of improvement for businesses and business owners. First
of four days.
Highlight
4:30 p.m.: Remarks by former hostage Terry Andersonon "Survival, Courage and
Hope: Meeting Life's Challenges."
Location: Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW,International Ballroom
Contact: Susan Sarfati, 202-626-2723, or the hotel, 202- 483-3000
The Reuter Daybook
Dec. 13, 1992
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE-MDC: January 15, 1993
Copyright 1992 The Washington Post
The Washington Post
January 1, 1992, Wednesday, Final Edition
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE B8; THE TV COLUMN
LENGTH: 963 words
HEADLINE: THE TV COLUMN
SERIES: Occasional
BYLINE: John Carmody, Washington Post Staff Writer
BODY:
Tryout Time? Former National Security Council aide Oliver North will occupy the Pat
Buchanan (Conservative) seat for three nights next week on CNN's "Crossfire"
He'll be paired with (Liberal) Michael Kinsley next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
on the 7:30 p.m. show
Early last month, CNN president Tom Johnson said he had asked John Sununu to
consider a spot on "Crossfire" "on an interim assignment if Pat chooses to run for
president." Since then, Pat has chosen to run for president, Bush chief of staff Sununu
has become counselor to the president (until March), and there are those at CNN who
expect Sununu to accept the "Crossfire" job eventually (the thinking being that Buchanan
might finally remove himself from both "Crossfire" and even the "Capital Gang"
anchorship because of extreme anti-Bush stands during his campaign -- although that
would seem to be overestimating the sensibilities and underestimating the tolerance of
his TV peers)
Ken Bridgham, assistant bureau chief at the Washington News Bureau for Cox
Broadcasting since 1976, has retired
David Chase, who has been chief cameraman at the bureau since 1987, has been
named operations supervisor and will assume Bridgham's duties in overseeing technical
operations
In addition, Martin "Tim" Kos has been promoted to chief cameraman and Sarah A.
Sockolof, a recent George Washington University graduate, joins the bureau as a
photojournalist. And, while we ordinarily Don't Do Radio, we should note that Jamie
Dupree has been promoted to radio news director. The bureau, headed by Andy
Cassells, reports on Washington news for Cox's seven TV and 14 radio stations
NBC Entertainment announces that George Hamilton and Emma Samms will co-host
the Soap Opera Digest Awards a week from Friday at 9 p.m. It's nice to see George
working on something besides his tan for a change
That early peek at "Davis Rules" Monday night on CBS didn't ruffle the charts exactly.
The former ABC series, which debuts tonight in its regular 8 p.m. timeslot on CBS,
averaged a 12.6/21 and was beaten by a repeat of NBC's "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
CBS prevailed on Monday night, anyway, with a 13.4/22 average. NBC was second
(11.8/19) as the conclusion of "From the Dead of Night" did an 11.5/19, which gave it a
two-night 10.8/18
On ABC (11.4/18) the conclusion of "Spartacus" did an 11.6/19, for a two-night
12.2/20. A "MacGyver" repeat averaged a 10.9/18, the disappearing series's highest
rating of the season
And how could we possibly start 1992, TV Column fans, without noting that "ABC
World News Tonight With Peter Jennings" won last week's news contest with a 9.7/21,
compared with an 8.2/18 for "CBS Evening News With Dan Rather" and an 8.1/17 for
"NBC Nightly News With Tom Brokaw"? We couldn't
TV RATINGZZZZ
Following are the top 20 network prime-time shows last week, ranked according to the
percentage of the nation's 92.1 million TV households that watched, as measured by the
A.C. Nielsen Co. A share represents the percentage of actual sets-in-use tuned to a
particular program when it aired.
RATINGS
SHARE NETWORK
1 20.0 60 Minutes
33
CBS
2
16.8 Face of a Stranger
27
CBS
3
16.7 NFL Chicago-S.F
31
ABC
4 15.6 Cheers
27
NBC
5
14.9 Empty Nest
27
NBC
6
14.7 Ghost Dad
24
NBC
7
14.4 Murphy Brown
24
CBS
8 14.3 20/20
29
ABC
9 14.2 Major Dad
25
CBS
10 14.0 Evening Shade
26
CBS
11 13.9 Designing Women
23
CBS
12 13.7 The Golden Girls (8:30 p.m.)
25
NBC
13 13.6 A Different World
24
NBC
14 13.4 Wings
23
NBC
15 13.0 The Golden Girls (8 p.m.)
24
NBC
13.0 Family Matters
24
ABC
17 12.8 Northern Exposure
22
CBS
12.8 The Cosby Show
22
NBC
12.8 Spartacus I
21
ABC
12.8 Murder, She Wrote
20
CBS
NBC, chugging along in second place behind CBS in the season-to-date race so far,
won the final week of 1991. With holiday viewership down, the six-time champ averaged
a 10.8/20 for the week, compared with a 10.4/20 for ABC, a 10.2/19 for CBS and a
7.1/12 for FOX
NBC won Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights; ABC Monday, Tuesday and
Friday, and CBS Sunday
Among the few highlights -- aside from that trip to Grandmother's house -- FOX's
"The Simpsons" was 26th for the week; "The Sound of Music" on NBC was 32nd; a
Christmas Eve "Roseanne" said hello to 34th; Part I of "From the Dead of Night" on
NBC tied for 38th; and the Kennedy Center Honors show on CBS was 49th
The NBA Bulls and Celtics on NBC Christmas Night finished 50th; a repeat of Dolly
Parton's holiday special on ABC tied for 51st; NBC's relocated "Pacific Station" was 53rd
on Friday; ABC's "Entertainers '91" special tied for 55th; CBS's Disney on Ice special
was 60th; "Brooklyn Bridge," the only new-this-season CBS series still on the air, was
65th; ABC's "Sinbad and Friends" special was 69th; and the Blockbuster Bowl on CBS
was 72nd
"The Fly II" on FOX was 74th; "I'll Fly Away" on NBC was 75th. Bzzzzz
CBS's "The Meaning of Life" special last Friday finished toes up (if you get our
meaning), ranking 85th among 85 programs ranked for the week ending Dec. 29
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1991 The Washington Post
The Washington Post
December 17, 1991, Tuesday, Final Edition
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE B6; THE TV COLUMN
LENGTH: 1462 words
SERIES: Occasional
BYLINE: John Carmody, Washington Post Staff Writer
BODY:
The Washington Redskins-New York Giants NFL game Sunday on Channel 9
averaged a 36.8 Nielsen rating and a 62 percent audience share between 4 and 7:01
p.m
That's one of the reasons that "The Democrats: A Presidential Debate" on Channel 4
averaged a 4.8 rating and an 8 share in Washington from 6:30 to 8
...
Another was that "60 Minutes" on Nine went on to average a 27.6/43 between 7 and 8
after the game; "Life Goes On" on Channel 7 did a 9.0/14 in the same hour; while "True
Colors" and "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" on Channel 5 averaged a 10.8/17 from 7 to 8
The debate drew a 3.5/6 in the first half-hour, smack against the 'Skins, rose to a
5.7/9 from 7 to 7:30 and fell off slightly to a 5.4/8 by 8. In each and every instance, a
ratingzzz point represented 18,199 TV homes
Late on Sunday, Channel 26 repeated the debate, drawing a 0.8 rating and a 4 share
On the other hand, NBC News yesterday estimated that some 10 million people
watched the debates nationally
That guess is based on the 25-city Nielsen overnights for Sunday, which showed the
candidates averaged a 4.6/8 between 6:30 and 8. By comparison (in an apples VS.
oranges, ratingzzz kind of way), the network says its entertainment programming has
been averaging a 6.2/10 in the national ratings between 7 and 8 so far this season.
National figures will be available today. To clear the air once and for all this morning,
an overnight ratingzzz point represents 431,028 homes; a national point, 921,000 TV
homes
One debate footnote. A highlight of Sunday's get-together of the six Democratic
candidates was Jerry Brown's success in slipping his 800 fund-raising number into the
broadcast, which earned him a scolding from moderator Tom Brokaw, who had warned
the chaps before the debate against making fund-raising pitches
Yesterday, CNN's "Crossfire" had Brown, the former governor of California, all lined
up for last night's telecast but let's let CNN president Tom Johnson tell it:
"CNN asked Governor Brown not to use its 'Crossfire' interview time for direct
solicitation of campaign contributions. He refused to appear under those conditions. We
plan full coverage of the Brown campaign including his appearances on the presidential
debates
"We just cannot permit the use of campaign solicitations on a news broadcast"
Johnson said last night's decision was "not yet a binding policy. Our lawyers are
studying the implications of the issue"
Johnson's CNN is a little sensitive on "the issue." Candidate Brown made frequent
mention of his 800 number in a recent appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live"
As for last night, "Crossfire" anchors Michael Kinsley and Fred Barnes talked to David
Keene, president of the American Conservative Union, and Democratic consultant Anne
Lewis instead
In Other NewsABC's Diane Sawyer has landed the first exclusive interview with
William Kennedy Smith's accuser. The 30-year-old Florida woman will be interviewed on
Thursday's edition of ABC's "PrimeTime Live"
No decision has been made about whether to name her or show her face on the
broadcast, according to spokeswoman Rena Terracuso
According to Terracuso, the woman's attorneys, David Roth and Douglas Duncan, said
their client "chose Diane Sawyer from among dozens of requests for an interview after
meeting with Ms. Sawyer in West Palm Beach on Saturday, Dec. 14.
"Mr. Roth related his client's decision was based upon 'Ms. Sawyer's impeccable
reputation for integrity'
Terracuso said the interview will be taped at an undisclosed location between "now
and Thursday"
Most media organizations have not identified the woman -- the usual custom in rape
cases. During the recent trial, in which Smith was exonerated after the jury deliberated
77 minutes, the woman's face was obscured by a blue dot on CNN's broadcast and by an
electronic "mosaic" on Court TV
Terracuso said the woman isn't being paid. "ABC does not pay for interviews," she said
The woman has given no face-to-face interviews since accusing Smith, the 31-year-old
nephew of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, of raping her March 30 at his family's Palm Beach
estate
Smith's attorney Roy Black said yesterday, "I have to admit I am fairly shocked by this.
She through her lawyers fought extremely hard to keep her name out of every possible
matter and kept making objections [based on] her right of privacy
"Now she turns around and wants to be on national TV," Black said. "I really question
the motives behind this reversal"
Now ThisChannel 26's annual December fund-raising drive ended Sunday with a
record-breaking total of $ 782,070 in pledges and matching grants
Beating the goal of $ 500,000 handily, $ 605,070 was pledged, in addition to $ 177,000
in matching grants from the Wallace Genetic Foundation, the Dammann Fund,
Washington Forrest Foundation, Jennifer and Ted Stanley and "many other 2691 Club
members"
The largest break total was $ 27,819 during a "Mystery!" telecast that featured a taped
interview with Sherlock Holmes (a k a Jeremy Brett)
The biggest night was Dec. 9, when an appearance by the renowned motivator Les
Brown helped account for $ 110,084
WETA noted that almost 60 percent of the pledges were on credit cards. WETA likes
that because "the money shows up" right away
Meanwhile, the Maryland Public Television system was setting a December
fund-raising record of its own. And that's after weathering -- if that's the right word -- a
breakdown of its phone bank for two hours Friday and the loss of a couple of precious
primetime hours Saturday night when the windstorm rocked the transmission tower
The MPT drive, which also ran from Dec. 4 to 15, raised $ 492,681, which beat the
previous record, set in December 1986, of some $ 466,000
Big MPT audience favorites: "Anne of Green Gables," the three tenors, "Dr. Who" and
"The Stars of Lawrence Welk"
There were a couple of discreetly raised eyebrows at the National Building Museum
Sunday evening before the taping of NBC's "Christmas in Washington" began. NBC
president Bob Wright, in his opening remarks to the invitation-only audience led by
President and Mrs. Bush -- chose to comment on how "very fragile" the business of
network television is today
According to an unofficial transcript of his remarks, the top executive at NBC said, "In
the presence of so many lawmakers and regulators, I certainly acknowledge that a great
deal of attention must be given to new technologies -- but please let us not forget the
value of this wonderful system of network television, which provides a sense of
community across America, allowing Boston to communicate with Seattle and Medford
to Waterloo. This is a unique system in all the world, and we should be very careful to
protect it"
The White House declined comment yesterday on whether what seemed to some to be
an appeal for a little administration help for the networks had made any appreciable
dent in the protocol for such occasions
"We have no comment since the show has been embargoed by NBC until it is telecast
on Wednesday," a White House press aide said yesterday
An NBC spokesman said the ad-libbed comments by Wright were not intended as an
appeal. "Bob was only affirming that NBC wants to continue to broadcast just this sort of
program for a long, long time. His comments were a two-minute reminder that this is
what television can do"
Ratingzzz Resultzzz: On Friday, the John Denver Christmas special on CBS averaged
a 9.6/17 in the national Nielsens, while NBC's "Reasonable Doubts" did an 8.4/15
On Saturday, in the 25-city Nielsen overnights, "Winnie the Pooh and Christmas, Too"
on ABC did a 12.2/21
On Sunday, also by the 25-city overnight count, the CBS movie "Christmas on Division
Street" averaged a 16.3/25, compared with a 15.9/24 for an original "Columbo" called
"Death Hits the Jackpot" and a 9.4/15 for the theatrical "Who's Harry Crumb?" on NBC
On April 3, Maryland Public Television will launch "To the Contrary," a weekly
half-hour news analysis series for PBS stations dedicated to the proposition that
"Americans are interested in what women think about issues and events that affect our
lives"
Bonnie Erbe, legal affairs correspondent for Mutual/NBC Radio, will host. Panelists
will include Maureen Reagan, NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg, Linda Chavez and
Washington Post columnist Dorothy Gilliam
The program, says MPT, will feature "fast-paced debate among a panel of women
journalists and experts on the most current issues. The format also includes location
features to provide background on the news, and closes each week with a related
commentary" ...
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1990 News World Communications, Inc.
The Washington Times
December 11, 1990, Tuesday, Final Edition
SECTION: Part E; LIFE; ABOUT TOWN; Pg. E2
LENGTH: 523 words
HEADLINE: 'Christmas' came early to D.C.
BYLINE: Ann Gowen; THE WASHINGTON TIMES
BODY:
Congressmen, Cabinet members and other dignitaries turned out for
NBC-TVs"Christmas in Washington" taping Sunday night at the National Building
Museum. But the most notable invited guest was the one who was absent.
Having just returned from South America, President Bush begged off theevent,
although he has attended in the past.
But audience members, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary
JackKemp with his wife, Joanne, D.C. Mayor-elect Sharon Pratt Dixon, and Health and
Human Services Secretary Louis Sullivan with wife Ginger, were not treated to a
rhetoric-free evening.
"I'm sorry the president couldn't be with us tonight," Barbara Bush said. "He's home
with a touch of flu."
On such an occasion, she went on, "It is impossible to forget the brave menand
women [in the Persian Gulf] standing strong."
Indeed, the crisis was foremost in everyone's mind.
NBC President Bob Wright said, "With the decisions that need to be madewithin the
next few weeks, we wish the president well."
He added that the event's performers, such as the U.S. Naval Academy GleeClub
and the U.S. Army Band Herald Trumpets, "only ties in with the solemnity of what's
going on nationally."
In its ninth year the annual holiday musical program, which benefits theChildren's
Hospital National Medical Center, is slated to be broadcast Dec. 19. Aretha Franklin,
Reba McEntire, John Denver and opera diva Barbara Hendricks were the featured
performers.
For the occasion the Building Museum was decked out with
red-ribbon-trimmedChristmas trees and blue-jacketed Secret Service agents. The
exceptions were Miss Franklin's bodyguards: They wore identical black tuxes, sat in the
front row and frequently broke into song.
Indeed, the Queen of Soul stole the show. Her rendition of "Go Tell It onthe
Mountain" - with the enthusiastic Eastern High School Choir singing backup - won a
"bravo, bravo" from the first lady.
"I'm so glad they enjoyed it. I think it's wonderful. The ultimate honor, "Miss
Franklin said, following the taping.
Mr. Denver, the evening's master of ceremonies, had the difficult task oftelling a silly
story about a Christmas tree named Alvin and Alvin's message of good will and hope for
the world. But Mr. Denver redeemed himself (and the script) by following it with one
of his own songs, a fairly affecting ballad called "The Flower Shattered the Stone."
He was aided by six Christmas elves, including three Bush grandchildren -
41/2-year-old Marshall Bush, daughter of Margaret and Marvin Bush, and 4-year-old
Ellie and 6-year-old Sam LeBlond, children of Dorothy Bush LeBlond.
Mr. Sullivan said that unquestionably his favorite part of the evening wasMiss
Franklin's performance.
"She was commanding. A tremendous voice and stage presence," he said.
He good-naturedly refused to hazard a guess about whether the president wastruly ill
or simply suffering from Persian Gulf sickness.
"I'm not surprised," he said. "I think he's probably a little under theweather. He's
been so busy, being out of the country and all."
GRAPHIC: Photos, A) Reba McEntire on stage for NBC's "Christmas in Washington";
B) Barbara Bush with Emily Moulton, Marshall Bush, Ellie and Sam LeBlond, David
Hallingsworth, Andrew Leach; C) Reba McEntire, John Denver and Aretha Franklin; D)
Opera singer Barbara Hendricks, All By Manny Rocca/The Washington Times
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1989 Gannett Company Inc.
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE
December 15, 1989, Friday
SECTION: TV WEEK
LENGTH: 364 words
BYLINE: JOHN KIESEWETTER
BODY:
MONDAY
8 p.m. NBC "A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court": Cosby's Keshia Knight
Pulliam awakes to find herself in Camelot, with King Arthur (Family Ties' Michael
Gross) and Merlin (Rene Auberjonois).
8:30 p.m. CBS "I Love Lucy Christmas Special": A fine Christmas gift: Historic
holiday hilarity with Lucy and Ricky Ricardo and Fred and Ethel Mertz from the early
1950s.
10 p.m. NBC "Christmas In Washington": A kinder, gentler Christmas program with
Olivia Newton-John, Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone, James Galway and George and
Barbara Bush.
TUESDAY
8 p.m. TNT cable "NBA Basketball": The Los Angeles Lakers try to shoot down Air
Jordan and his Chicago Bulls. Live from Chicago.
8:30 p.m. ABC "Wonder Years": Technicolor visions dance in the Arnold children
heads as they wish for a new family color TV for Christmas.
10 p.m. ABC "thirtysomething": A repeat of last season's Emmy-nominated episode:
Michael sees his life in terms of the old Dick Van Dyke Show.
WEDNESDAY
10 p.m. CBS "Wiseguy": Vinnie, set up as the fall guy by Washington insiders
attempting to ruin the Japanese economy, testifies before Congress to clear his name and
save his job.
10 p.m. ABC "China Beach": It's all hands on deck when a shattered Christmas truce
clogs the hospital with casualties.
11 p.m. HBO cable "Leonard-Duran Fight": Repeat of the Dec. 7 prize fight between
Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.
THURSDAY
8:30 p.m. CBS "Claymation Christmas": Christmas greetings from the California
Raisins.
9 p.m. USA cable "It Happened One Christmas": Tired of It's A Wonderful Life?
Then check out this 1977 remake starring Marlo Thomas and Cloris Leachman.
9 p.m. MTV cable "MTV Decade": I didn't say it first, but I wish I did: If a picture is
worth a thousand words, then this two-hour special must be worth jillions.
FRIDAY
8 p.m. CBS "A Charlie Brown Christmas": If not the best animated Christmas special,
this has to be the best ever piano jazz score.
8 p.m. Cinemax "Purple Rain": Prince rocks his way through his first movie.
9 p.m. PBS "Live From Lincoln Center": Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis wishes us Merry
Christmas and all that jazz.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Proprietary to the United Press International 1988
December 20, 1988, Tuesday, BC cycle
SECTION: Entertainment
HEADLINE: TV Highlights for WEDNESDAY, DEC. 216:35 p.m. 7 p.m. (Note: In
some regions, news is broadcast at 6 and 6:30 p.m. Check with local affiliates for details.)
ABC, "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings."
CBS, "CBS Evening News with Dan Rather."
NBC, "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw." 8 p.m. ABC, "Growing Pains" -- The
Seaver's holiday spirit is put to the test when Ben brings home a vagrant girl as a guest
for Christmas Eve.
CBS, "Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special" -- An hour of prime-time Pee-Wee
and his playhouse pals in a one-hour entertainment and musical special
NBC, "Unsolved Mysteries" -- Details to be announced. PBS, "The MacNeil-Lehrer
Newshour." 8:30 p.m. ABC, "Head of the Class" -- Details to be announced. 9 p.m.
ABC, "The Wonder Years -- Details to be announced.
CBS, "The Equalizer" -- McCall's Christmas is complicated by the problems of a
young boy with AIDS. R.
NBC, "Night Court" -- Details to be announced.
PBS, "A Child's Christmas in Wales" -- Denholm Elliot stars in this adaptation of the
Dylan Thomas classic as a grandfather telling his grandson a bedtime story of an
old-fashioned Welsh Christmas. 9:30 p.m. ABC, "Hooperman" -- Details to be
announced.
NBC, "Baby Boom'- J.C. tries to prepare for Elizabeth's first Christmas while
refereeing Fritz's attempt to salvage his strained marriage to Laura (guest star Tippi
Hedren). 10 p.m. ABC, "China Beach" -- Details to be announced.
CBS, "Wiseguy" -- Anthony Denison guest-stars as a former Organized Crime Bureau
agent who comes out of retirement to help Vinnie when Vinnie is hospitalized after
being hit by a taxicab.
NBC, "Christmas in Washington" -- Special -- James Stewart is the host ofthe
seventh edition of this traditional musical ceremony of carols and other seasonal songs.
President and Mrs. Reagan are expected to head the list of notables from the nation's
capital. 11:30 p.m. ABC, "ABC News Nightline" -- Anchored by Ted Koppel.
CBS, "CBS Late Night: 'Night Heat" -- A young ex-con who was sexually assaulted in
prison is back on the streets aand engaged in a deadly and psychotic method of avenging
his attacks.
NBC, "The Best of Carson." 12:30 a.m. NBC, "Late Night With David Letterman."
12:40 a.m. CBS, "CBS Late Night: "The Wind" -- A mystery writer discovers a murder
victim in her backyard and a murderer on the loose. Meg Foster David McCallum. 1:30
a.m. NBC, "Later With Bob Costas."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1987 The Washington Post
The Washington Post
December 16, 1987, Wednesday, Final Edition
SECTION: STYLE; PAGE D3; PERSONALITIES
LENGTH: 409 words
BYLINE: Chuck Conconi, Washington Post Staff Writer
BODY:
President Reagan and his wife Nancy sent a large bouquet of roses -- as did several
other political leaders -- to Augusta, Maine, Monday to help celebrate the 90th birthday
of former senator Margaret Chase Smith, who adopted the flower as her symbol. Smith,
a courageous political voice, was the first woman elected to both houses of Congress and
in 1964 became the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for president.
She was also there in 1950 to stand up in the Senate and speak out against the tactics of
Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his investigating committee.
A number of the state's political leaders showed up at a reception to raise funds for
the Margaret Chase Smith Library Center in her home town of Skowhegan. Among them
were former governor and senator Edmund S. Muskie, Sens. George J. Mitchell and
William S. Cohen and Gov. John R. McKernan Jr. Muskie said he had always been
proud to come from the same state as Smith, adding that her reputation still lingers in
Washington. At the end of the evening, Smith quipped, "I'm wonderful. I know it It's
been a little hard to take and still keep my feet on the ground." Out and About Moves to
help the homeless and the hungry at Christmastime are well under way in Washington.
More than 800 children and their parents were served a Christmas dinner Monday at the
National Building Museum, often the site of fancy, expensive dinners. The event,
sponsored by the Christmas for the Homeless Committee, occurred the day after the
NBC "Christmas in Washington" taping at the building museum, which was attended by
the president, and NBC left its Christmas decorations behind for the committee to use.
More than 90 Washington-area restaurants and businesses joined together for the
celebration, which included such celebrity guests as Redskins Charles Mann, Keith
Griffin, Raleigh McKenzie and Steve Hamilton, as well as Washington Bullets Manute
Bol and Moses Malone. Among the nonsports celebrities were Santa and Mrs. Claus,
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman
Political satirist Mark Russell, on learning that Gary Hart had decided to get back into
the presidential race, first worried about how much rewriting he was going to have to do
for his PBS television special tonight. Then he thought about all the new material he
could get out of this new development and decided, "My cup runneth over. Gary Hart
has given me a Christmas present"
GRAPHIC: PHOTO, CHARLES MANN; PHOTO, AP
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1986 Television Digest, Inc.
Communications Daily
November 26, 1986, Wednesday
SECTION: Vol. 6, No. 228; Pg. 3
LENGTH: 911 words
HEADLINE: 'Keep It Non-lavish';
FCC BANS ONE-ON-ONE LUNCHES, LAVISH PARTIES WITH 'INTERESTED
PARTIES'
BODY:
Formalizing ad hoc policy that has been in force since Aug., FCC amended its rules
Tues. to prohibit one-on-one lunches by commissioners and staffers with licensees and
"interested parties" with issues before Commission. Also prohibited would be gifts of
more than nominal value ($5-$10) and attendance at "lavish" dinner parties and
receptions. Attendance at such events would be permitted if they were group functions
and cost no more than $35 per person. Advice of FCC Gen. Counsel Jack Smith: "Keep
it non-lavish."
Until ad hoc policy was put into effect last summer, FCC members and top staffers
customarily were wined and dined by broadcasters, lobbyists, trade associations and
lawyers -- and none of them are very happy about change in rules. They were adopted by
commissioners unanimously -- with Comr. Quello saying he concurred "very reluctantly. I
don't agree with the item
If you want to take me to lunch, we'll Dutch treat it. Or,
you take me one time and I'll take you the next time." Not mentioned during very brief
discussion of item, or in Commission news release (editorial changes are being made in
order itself and it hasn't been released) was footnote excluding reporters from ban on
buying commissioners' lunch.
Footnote reads: "Persons who cannot directly benefit from the Commission's regulatory
activities (e.g., press organizations not affiliated with FCC licensees) are not considered
to be interested persons within the meaning of this section." At news briefing after FCC
meeting, Smith said proscription against lunches would apply to reporters for broadcast
stations and networks and those for newspapers and magazines whose parent companies
are FCC licensees.
Gen. Counsel will rule on exempt lunches and receptions on case-by-case basis, build
up body of rulings to establish "precedent" and "consistency," Smith told commissioners.
He said it's very important to have central clearinghouse for such rulings. His decisions
will follow 4 standards: (1) Function must have some "business nexus." (2) It must be a
"true group function, not just a small party for a few FCC officials." (3) Costs "must not
be lavish" but "consistent with nominal value limitations." (4) "Attendance at the function
must not result in, or create the appearance of, impropriety or undue influence."
Commission said new rules were adopted to "permit the flexibility necessary for
commissioners and staff to accept meals and other refreshments, not lavish in kind,
offered at group functions [such as conventions, seminars, workshops, etc.] given by
persons who can directly benefit from the FCC's regulatory activities
This action was
taken to help employes avoid engaging in any activity that could result in, or create the
appearance of, impropriety or undue influence." FCC emphasized that these exemptions
"only apply to group functions
acceptance of meals or refreshments proffered in
individual meetings" still will not be permissible.
Okay would be lunches of Federal Communications Bar Assn. if commissioners were
invited, and tickets paid for, by Assn. itself; not permissible would be acceptance of
invitations to such lunches from law firms, lobbyists or trade associations. Definitely out
is what many at FCC consider their No. 1 perk attendance at Kennedy Center Honors
(Dec. 7 this year) as guest of CBS, which airs program, along with annual CBS tennis
tournament, NBC's Christmas in Washington program-dinner and various dinner parties
sponsored in Washington by networks and large groups from time to time. Annual
Radio-TV Correspondents' Assn. dinner also "could be a problem," FCC official said;
Assn. invites commissioners and top staffers, but tickets ($65 last spring) are paid for by
networks.
Fowler said new mandate clarifies what has been unclear situation. "I feel very
comfortable with these rules," he said. "I think they are a very, very good set of rules."
Patrick said rules are needed because previous "statute
is very ambiguous
I do
support the amendment because I think it will show the public that our actions are in the
public interest."
In other action, Commission: (1) Reclassified Subscription TV (STV) and direct
broadcast satellite service, at least in forms proposed to date, as nonbroadcast services
because intent of programmer is that service will be seen only by paying subscribers, not
general public. In so doing, Commission went against 1984 ruling by U.S. Appeals Court.
D.C., in NAB vs. FCC case that directed agency to classify STV as broadcast service.
But Court didn't rule out allowing FCC to revisit STV classification, provided it
offered reasoned explanation. NTIA and GTE Spacenet supported allowing such a
review. Comr. Patrick said item deferred some difficult issues, including question of
regulatory status that would apply where programmer was using common carrier facility
to disseminate video product for general dissemination. That issue isn't before FCC, he
noted.
(2) Relaxed eligibility restrictions on access to fixed and mobile spectrum between 947
MHz and 40 GHz, including allowing private carriers into 1.8 and 6.5 GHz bands and
common carriers to use 1.9 and 6.8 GHz bands to provide mobile TV service to cable
operators. (3) Proposed coordination and licensing procedures and technical standards
for shared govt.-nongovt. fixed service use of 932-935 and 941-944 MHz bands.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1986 Television Digest, Inc.
Communications Daily
October 8, 1986, Wednesday
SECTION: NOTEBOOK; Vol. 6, No. 195; Pg. 5
LENGTH: 136 words
BODY:
Washington lobbyists and lawyers will have more than passing interest in item at FCC
open meeting Nov. 25 when Commission plans to amend conflict of interest rules. On
agenda will be whether it's proper for commissioners and staffers to accept free lunches,
receptions, parties, theater tickets, tennis, golf, etc. Commission interim policy, adopted
informally in Aug., prohibits any one-on-one lunches and all of the above. Exceptions are
handled on ad hoc basis by gen. counsel; such an exception has been made for Bcst.
Pioneers reception Fri. evening honoring new Comr. Dennis. Among major events
affected adversely by new Commission policy are Kennedy Center Honors, NBC's
Christmas in Washington, CBS's annual spring tennis tournament, several events hosted
by trade associations and licensees.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These materials
may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press.
June 5, 1986, Thursday, AM cycle
SECTION: Domestic News
LENGTH: 769 words
HEADLINE: Some Object to ABC's Exclusive Coverage of Aspects of Liberty Weekend
BYLINE: By FRED ROTHENBERG, AP Television Writer
DATELINE: NEW YORK
BODY:
The Statue of Liberty, America's symbol of opportunity, has become a symbol of
limited access for television news organizations, except for ABC, prompting pre-Fourth
of July fireworks from CBS, NBC and Cable News Network.
The dispute centers on what parts of Liberty Weekend, the 100th birthday party
celebration for the Statue of Liberty, are exclusive to ABC because of its $10 million
payment to the organizers of the event and what parts are legitimate news that should be
open to equal coverage opportunity for all.
"We're celebrating a statue that personifes freedom, yet the freedom of the press is
being abridged," said Jane Maxwell, CNN's director of special events. "All we want is
access to the public officials who are at this event of national importance and national
interest. We object to the news event being packaged, tied up in a ribbon and sold. "Lloyd
Siegel, NBC News' executive producer of special broadcasts, said NBC only wants "access
to public officials doing public acts. We're not trying to grab hold of the entertainment
portions. "Last year, David L. Wolper, chairman and executive producer of Liberty
Weekend, invited bids from the three major networks. ABC outbid NBC, and CBS did
not make a bid. For its $10 million rights fee and $4 million in production costs, ABC
will have 17 1/2 hours of coverage over five days beginning July 2.
Most of the events are pure entertainment, such as separate salutes from the Boston
Pops, the New York Philharmonic and skaters Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill and other
sports stars.
Roone Arledge, president of ABC News, said its coverage was akin to NBC's rights to
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, for which NBC pays for the specialty acts. But he also
said "parts of it are spectacle, parts of it are genuine news. "It's where to draw the line
between entertainment and news that is causing disagreements.
Last week, the Washington bureau chiefs of CBS, CNN and NBC sent a letter to
White House spokesman Larry Speakes. One specific request was access to the July 3
opening ceremony remarks of Interior Secretary Donald Hodel and Lee Iacocca,
chairman of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. Speakes said Thursday that "as
much as possible should be open to all media. "In the July 3 prime-time ceremonies,
Hodel and Iacocca will introduce President Reagan just before he speaks and unveils the
renovated statue. ABC is sharing the feed of the president's speech and the unveiling
with the other networks.
Jonas Halperin, director of news information for Liberty Weekend, said the remarks
by Hodel and Iacocca were not news and thus restricted from TV, except for ABC.
"This has become such a brouhaha," said Halperin. "It's really semantics. What they're
talking about is three or four minutes out of a 2 1/2 -hour opening ceremony. ""I think
these are things that can be worked out," said NBC's Siegel. He noted that Wolper's
organization relaxed restrictions on another weekend event the induction of new
citizens at Ellis Island being sworn in by Chief Justice Warren Burger. Siegel said the
networks wanted a reaction shot of the new inductees. "We protested, and they said we'll
get the picture," he said.
"But the extent of the reaction shot is unclear," said Maxwell.
Another bone of contention is when the president hands out the Medal of Liberty to
12 naturalized citizens, including Irving Berlin, Bob Hope and Henry Kissinger. "We do
not consider that a news event," Halperin said.
"We recognize that the Medal of Liberty is a creation of Wolper, but it does carry
some significance to it," Maxwell said. "There are some renowned people and the
president is giving out the medals. "Halperin said ABC's exclusivity was similar to CBS'
rights to the Kennedy Center Honors and NBC's Christmas at the White House
broadcast both events attended by the president.
Arledge said he expected compliance with Wolper's restrictions. "We could fly a
helicopter over the Super Bowl and show it, but there would be chaos, so we expect
everybody to honor the exclusivity," he said.
At least one lover of the Statue of Liberty is appalled by what he considers the crass
pageantry of Liberty Weekend and the networks' petty disputes. He's Ken Burns, the
filmmaker whose 1985 "Statue of Liberty" documentary was nominated for an Academy
Award. (The program will be repeated on public television July 2.)
"It's an outrage," Burns said. "This lady has been sold. I'm outraged that David Wolper
can strike a medal. A medal is the way society and the government honors its citzens. It's
not meant to be entertainment."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These materials
may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press.
December 10, 1984, Monday, PM cycle
SECTION: Domestic News
LENGTH: 210 words
HEADLINE: Names in the News
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
President Reagan joined a star-packed Christmas television special, but it was a
surprise appearance by a 9-year-old boy that stole the show.
Reagan and his wife, Nancy, were guests of honor Sunday night at the taping of
NBC's "Christmas in Washington" special, which was being recorded for broadcast Dec.
16.
The holiday show, taped at the old Pension Building in downtown Washington, was
produced for the benefit of the Children's Hospital National Medical Center.
The 70-minute show also included Hal Linden, Nell Carter, Donnie and Marie
Osmond and the Osmond brothers, and opera soprano Frederica Von Stade.
At the conclusion of the show, Reagan went on stage and introduced Danny
LaBoccetta of Queens, N.Y., who designed this year's Santa Claus postage stamp.
Reagan called the Christmas season "a time of miracles, the warmth of giving and fairy
tales come true."
At one point, a 9-year-old boy made his way into a roped-off press area and began to
shout questions at Reagan.
"Mr. Reagan!" yelled Sean Harman, of suburban Kensington, Md. "Do you know me?"
Undaunted, Sean persisted. "Hey, Reagan," he said. "Mr. Reagan. I heard you won. I
heard you won the election."
With a bemused grin, the president replied, "I scraped through."
GRAPHIC: Laserphoto NY14
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
The Associated Press
The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These materials
may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press.
December 11, 1983, Sunday, AM cycle
SECTION: Washington Dateline
LENGTH: 102 words
HEADLINE: Spending Evening at Taping
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
BODY:
President and Nancy Reagan spent Sunday evening attending a video taping of an
NBC "Christmas in Washington" television program at the ornate National Building
Museum.
Sitting in the front row, they watched entertainers Andy Williams, Julio Iglesias, and
Leslie Uggams perform Christmas carols, assisted by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club,
the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, and a choir from St. Columba's Episcopal Church.
In remarks at the end of the program, Reagan said that during the holiday season, "I
hope all of us will take time to remember in our prayers the men and women in the
armed forces."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH