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Peter Jenning's Death: Opportunity For Anti-Smoking Talk?

V

valkyrie777

The death of Peter Jennings is tragic. He was urbane, witty, charming, self-assured in a non-egotistical way, professional and most welcome in our house to deliver the evening news at suppertime. He was unique and he will be missed.

Peripherally, I wondered if his legacy might be best served in the subjects and topics we choose for talk-shows? Specifically, the ramifications of tobacco useage, i.e., the deaths and diseases associated with it on our parents, friends and children. It would serve as a "memorial" to a broadcast colleague.

Anyone plan to explore this subject on their talk-show as a result of the loss of Mr. Jennings?
 
> The death of Peter Jennings is tragic. He was urbane, witty,
> charming, self-assured in a non-egotistical way,
> professional and most welcome in our house to deliver the
> evening news at suppertime. He was unique and he will be
> missed.
>
> Peripherally, I wondered if his legacy might be best served
> in the subjects and topics we choose for talk-shows?
> Specifically, the ramifications of tobacco useage, i.e., the
> deaths and diseases associated with it on our parents,
> friends and children. It would serve as a "memorial" to a
> broadcast colleague.
>
> Anyone plan to explore this subject on their talk-show as a
> result of the loss of Mr. Jennings?
>

Ummmm, I think that the topic of tobacco usage has been talked about/debated on both radio and television for many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many years to date.

And the evils of smoking is something that will be talked about on both radio and television for many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many more years to come.

Now no disrespect to Peter Jennings when I say this.....but I really don't think that his lung cancer death changes--or will change--anything in that regard (as far as talk show hosts talking at-length about the terrible consequences of smoking and what, if any, impact it will have on the listening audience).
 
> > The death of Peter Jennings is tragic. He was urbane,
> witty,
> > charming, self-assured in a non-egotistical way,
> > professional and most welcome in our house to deliver the
> > evening news at suppertime. He was unique and he will be
> > missed.
> >
> > Peripherally, I wondered if his legacy might be best
> served
> > in the subjects and topics we choose for talk-shows?
> > Specifically, the ramifications of tobacco useage, i.e.,
> the
> > deaths and diseases associated with it on our parents,
> > friends and children. It would serve as a "memorial" to a
> > broadcast colleague.
> >
> > Anyone plan to explore this subject on their talk-show as
> a
> > result of the loss of Mr. Jennings?
> > peter jennings was a gentleman. in the hard bitten business that has become big news, he always remembered the first maxim of journalism 101--to TELL the story honestly, fairly, and factually WITHOUT BECOMING the story. his professionalism, character and integrity will be sorely missed. ABC will have a difficult time replacing him--david5258
>
> Ummmm, I think that the topic of tobacco usage has been
> talked about/debated on both radio and television for many,
> many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many,
> many years to date.
>
> And the evils of smoking is something that will be talked
> about on both radio and television for many, many, many,
> many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many more
> years to come.
>
> Now no disrespect to Peter Jennings when I say this.....but
> I really don't think that his lung cancer death changes--or
> will change--anything in that regard (as far as talk show
> hosts talking at-length about the terrible consequences of
> smoking and what, if any, impact it will have on the
> listening audience).
>
 
Think Freddy Mercury with Queen or actor Rock Hudson and how AIDS became more of a national story upon their deaths. I think that's where the poster was going with it...

Just a thought, carry on! <P ID="signature">______________



</P>
 
> Think Freddy Mercury with Queen or actor Rock Hudson and how
> AIDS became more of a national story upon their deaths. I
> think that's where the poster was going with it...
>
> Just a thought, carry on!
>

Yeah, but see, that's my point too! When Rock Hudson died from AIDS, that was 1985, and AIDS hadn't been around very long. It was still a mysterious illness to millions and millions of Americans.

But the tobacco/cancer link has been known to millions of Americans for decades now. Decades!

Anyway, Peter Jennings death only serves to reinforce the efforts of those who are part of the anti-smoking crusade in this country, and I think that's great!

However, the bad news is....that millions of Americans will still continue to light up each and every day. I mean, Johnny Carson died six months ago from emphysema (he smoked for many years). And Johnny Carson was one of the biggest and most popular TV personalities this country has ever known. Now Cab, be honest, in these last six months (before Jennings death) have you heard or seen a surge in anti-smoking rhetoric as a direct result of Johnny Carson's death? I haven't. As a matter of fact, back in January (and even now) I didn't hear a single talk show host (TV or radio) mention Carson's name and cigarettes/cancer in the same sentence!! Maybe you did where you are, but I didn't. Carson was as well-known and as well-liked as Jennings was. Sadly, if Carson's smoking-related death didn't stimulate much TV and/or radio conversation(s), then I doubt Jennings' smoking-related death will either.
 
> > Think Freddy Mercury with Queen or actor Rock Hudson and
> how
> > AIDS became more of a national story upon their deaths. I
> > think that's where the poster was going with it...
> >
> > Just a thought, carry on!
> >
>
> Yeah, but see, that's my point too! When Rock Hudson died
> from AIDS, that was 1985, and AIDS hadn't been around very
> long. It was still a mysterious illness to millions and
> millions of Americans.
>
> But the tobacco/cancer link has been known to millions of
> Americans for decades now. Decades!
>
> Anyway, Peter Jennings death only serves to reinforce the
> efforts of those who are part of the anti-smoking crusade in
> this country, and I think that's great!
>
> However, the bad news is....that millions of Americans will
> still continue to light up each and every day. I mean,
> Johnny Carson died six months ago from emphysema (he smoked
> for many years). And Johnny Carson was one of the biggest
> and most popular TV personalities this country has ever
> known. Now Cab, be honest, in these last six months (before
> Jennings death) have you heard or seen a surge in
> anti-smoking rhetoric as a direct result of Johnny Carson's
> death? I haven't. As a matter of fact, back in January (and
> even now) I didn't hear a single talk show host (TV or
> radio) mention Carson's name and cigarettes/cancer in the
> same sentence!! Maybe you did where you are, but I didn't.
> Carson was as well-known and as well-liked as Jennings was.
> Sadly, if Carson's smoking-related death didn't stimulate
> much TV and/or radio conversation(s), then I doubt Jennings'
> smoking-related death will either.
>


By the way....Jennings was part of that generation of newsguys (both TV and radio) that worked long hours each and everyday, drank tons of coffee (usually black)....and smoked lots and lots of cigarettes!

All of these guys were or are smokers....Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, the late Harry Reasoner, the late Chet Huntley, Walter Cronkite, Hugh Downs and about a dozen other famous TV newsguys (past and present) come to my mind! Anyway, these guys smoked in their offices back during a time (the 1940's, the 1950's, the 1960's, and right up to the 1970's) when most office people were allowed to smoke at work--inside, at their desk!----Not outside on the sidewalk, like most of them office people who smoke have to do nowadays if they want to have a cigarette! Boy, how the times have changed, haven't they??!!! So you can imagine how many cigarettes Peter Jennings must have smoked while he was at work during his 40 year career!! I bet Jennings and all of his associates were big-time coffee drinkers/cigarette smokers!! And what was really bad about smoking in an office all day (back then) was that not only was a guy like Jennings inhaling all of that cigarette smoke of his own, while sitting at his desk....but he was also inhaling all of that second-hand cigarette smoke from all of his co-workers too! Then, of course, he would go home and smoke some more! Geez! Is it any wonder the man died from lung cancer??!!
 
Give Me A Break!

Nothing is dumber - or more arrogant - than the knee-jerk reaction of too many broadcasters to lecture the audience "don't be stupid."

Ed Murrow died over 40 years ago from lung cancer and people did not stop smoking. The ironic difference between Murrow and Jennings is Murrow helped sell cigarettes: The American Tobacco Company was one of his sponsors. He did not read the commercials but Murrow made a point of smoking and using the sponsor's product and package as an on-camera prop.

Then William Talman, DA Hamilton Burger on Perry Mason, died of lung cancer - and he even did a PSA right before he died - and people did not stop smoking.

People know everything they need to know about smoking (and obesity, drinking, drugs and everything else bad for you). It is the height of hubris for broadcasters to think people make life changes because of lectures from us.

This is as idiotic as those traffic reporters who tell people to drive safely in bad weather, as though they are smarter and know more than anybody else. Or as stupid as talk show hosts who think they actually change anybody's mind about anything.

> The death of Peter Jennings is tragic. He was urbane, witty,
> charming, self-assured in a non-egotistical way,
> professional and most welcome in our house to deliver the
> evening news at suppertime. He was unique and he will be
> missed.
>
> Peripherally, I wondered if his legacy might be best served
> in the subjects and topics we choose for talk-shows?
> Specifically, the ramifications of tobacco useage, i.e., the
> deaths and diseases associated with it on our parents,
> friends and children. It would serve as a "memorial" to a
> broadcast colleague.
>
> Anyone plan to explore this subject on their talk-show as a
> result of the loss of Mr. Jennings?
>
 
And then you have stories like that of George Burns who smoked cigars all the time and livewd to be ...what...100 (or close to it). I know he's more an exception. But I think one reason not much was said about Carson was his age. Jennings was younger, so it comes more as a surprize.

Not arguing your point...just trying to see why it would be brought up with Jennings. We had a story specifically about Lung Cancer yesterday with quotes from a Yale doctor...

Strange how stories get picked up at certain times but not others.

<P ID="signature">______________



</P>
 
> And then you have stories like that of George Burns who
> smoked cigars all the time and livewd to be ...what...100
> (or close to it). I know he's more an exception. But I think
> one reason not much was said about Carson was his age.
> Jennings was younger, so it comes more as a surprize.
>
> Not arguing your point...just trying to see why it would be
> brought up with Jennings. We had a story specifically about
> Lung Cancer yesterday with quotes from a Yale doctor...
>
> Strange how stories get picked up at certain times but not
> others.
>

Yeah, that's true. I mean, let's face, who had ever heard of Osama bin Laden and his merry band of Al Qaida terrorists before 9/11??!!---And he/them had been around for years before 9/11.......but nobody cared!
 
Re: Give Me A Break!

> This is as idiotic as those traffic reporters who tell
> people to drive safely in bad weather, as though they are
> smarter and know more than anybody else. Or as stupid as
> talk show hosts who think they actually change anybody's
> mind about anything.
>

I disagree.

Reporting on these types of stories serve as a form of advertising too. If someone hears the same message enough...maybe they will respond. I already know Crest is toothpaste, yet I constantly hear or see messages about it. I know that Milk is a good source of vitamin D, but I still see or hear messages about it. I already know WalMart has the "lowest prices", but there are still messages about it. Yes, these are paid messages. But otherwise what is the difference and why should the message no longer be delivered just because it is a "news story" or in a PSA? Don't we all know dialing 911 is for emergencies? A psa was just aired for people not to use it except in "case of emergency." So the point is that some people still need to hear the message, whether they know the information or not. Hopefully the message will get through.<P ID="signature">______________



</P>
 
Re: Give Me A Break!

> Nothing is dumber - or more arrogant - than the knee-jerk
> reaction of too many broadcasters to lecture the audience
> "don't be stupid."


I disagree strongly.

If someone used what happened to Jennings as another reason to ask consider not smoking, its not a bad idea at all. Keith Obermann gave a personal plea last night which I could see was truly passionate and based on his own bad experiences as a former smoker and as an oral cancersufferer (but his situation obviously was not fatal).I thought he offered a elequent request. He asked that people stop smoking as a kind of tribute to Jennings...i thought that was a unique way to approach the issue.

If you are one of the informed or have made the choice not to smoke, or do something to your health benefit, then good for you. Sometimes, hearing someting in different ways may impact a person at a particular time. Why not use the example of a jounalist that quit smoking after years but then returned to it to eventually develop the disease. Repetion of a message in different forms is like trying different ways of fishing, one might work for others and some, who may have a certain affection or dare i say "respect" for Jennings may look at his demise from the results of his smoking as the point that makes them change their mind. Or not. Of course, there is the freedom we all enjoy to do basically what we want. That too is a choice we all can make.
 
> Think Freddy Mercury with Queen or actor Rock Hudson and how
> AIDS became more of a national story upon their deaths. I
> think that's where the poster was going with it...
>
> Just a thought, carry on!
>


Exactly! Thanks for the post.
 
Re: Give Me A Break!

> People know everything they need to know about smoking (and
> obesity, drinking, drugs and everything else bad for you).
> It is the height of hubris for broadcasters to think people
> make life changes because of lectures from us.
>

If I, as a broadcaster, can save even a single life by reminding those who smoke that they might die...that's worth it to me.

Why not offer encouragement to those who are trying to quit or to those who may be tempted to start?


> This is as idiotic as those traffic reporters who tell
> people to drive safely in bad weather, as though they are
> smarter and know more than anybody else. Or as stupid as
> talk show hosts who think they actually change anybody's
> mind about anything.

Sorry...I disagree. A simple reminder to drivers that the roads are icy or that the roads are slick is perfectly proper for a traffic reporter. His or her function is to warn drivers of all conditions on the road. Whether or not that driver heeds the advice is another matter.

Would you have the reporter say "the roads are dangerously icy...why not try for a new personal best in the Manayunk Hill Climb?" I don't think so.
 
> MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" made smoking a
> topic Monday evening.
>
> http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2005_08_08.html#010175
>

I guess a lot of people...a lot..called in or emailed Keith about his plea to quit smoking ....hes now going to start up a feature for those who continue to be interested in quitting....so see some people get the message in different ways...im glad Obermann is sincere about his concern for other smokers...

Obermann, in my opinion, doesnt come across as some high and mighty person, but just darned concerned based on his own experiences...
 
Re: Give Me A Break!

Reporting that the roads are icy is great. Treating everyone like children is another matter..like the weatherguys telling you how to dress when its cold. At least for me, that was covered in kidnergarten.<P ID="signature">______________
Did the Corinthians ever write back?</P>
 
Im not sure of the organization Keith reported on on Wednesday but the organization now has twice the numbers of people wanting to try to quit doubled by Jennings/Christopher Reeve's wife/Obermann's experience.....

thats good news...i hope all who try can succeed in their efforts to quit. Many reported that these announcements were "wake up calls" so this looks like some benefit for those who admire Jennings...


> I guess a lot of people...a lot..called in or emailed Keith
> about his plea to quit smoking ....hes now going to start up
> a feature for those who continue to be interested in
> quitting....so see some people get the message in different
> ways...im glad Obermann is sincere about his concern for
> other smokers...
>
> Obermann, in my opinion, doesnt come across as some high and
> mighty person, but just darned concerned based on his own
> experiences...
>
 
Smoking Kills, Why Do It?

Smoking kills. It is proven. Why do people smoke, even knowing how they can destroy their lives and their families? I don't know, but it is an important subject and should be talked about. You want our kids smoking and killing themselves?


> Nothing is dumber - or more arrogant - than the knee-jerk
> reaction of too many broadcasters to lecture the audience
> "don't be stupid."
>
> Ed Murrow died over 40 years ago from lung cancer and people
> did not stop smoking. The ironic difference between Murrow
> and Jennings is Murrow helped sell cigarettes: The American
> Tobacco Company was one of his sponsors. He did not read
> the commercials but Murrow made a point of smoking and using
> the sponsor's product and package as an on-camera prop.
>
> Then William Talman, DA Hamilton Burger on Perry Mason, died
> of lung cancer - and he even did a PSA right before he died
> - and people did not stop smoking.
>
> People know everything they need to know about smoking (and
> obesity, drinking, drugs and everything else bad for you).
> It is the height of hubris for broadcasters to think people
> make life changes because of lectures from us.
>
> This is as idiotic as those traffic reporters who tell
> people to drive safely in bad weather, as though they are
> smarter and know more than anybody else. Or as stupid as
> talk show hosts who think they actually change anybody's
> mind about anything.
>
> > The death of Peter Jennings is tragic. He was urbane,
> witty,
> > charming, self-assured in a non-egotistical way,
> > professional and most welcome in our house to deliver the
> > evening news at suppertime. He was unique and he will be
> > missed.
> >
> > Peripherally, I wondered if his legacy might be best
> served
> > in the subjects and topics we choose for talk-shows?
> > Specifically, the ramifications of tobacco useage, i.e.,
> the
> > deaths and diseases associated with it on our parents,
> > friends and children. It would serve as a "memorial" to a
> > broadcast colleague.
> >
> > Anyone plan to explore this subject on their talk-show as
> a
> > result of the loss of Mr. Jennings?
> >
>
 
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