Weather's changing

TextTextAs TV news insider Ron Fineman predicted, the local CBS operation is announcing that Miami weathercaster Jackie Johnson will be coming to town. The memo says she will take over for Byron Miranda on KCAL Channel 9. Miranda, it's presumed, will keep doing the weather on the higher-rated KCBS Channel 2.

RonFineman.com also has (behind the pay wall) an exchange of letters between Los Angeles Fire Department official Brian Humphrey, who claims TV reporters were disrespectful in referring to "Mr. Reagan" and showing the transport of the president's remains, and former LAPD spokesman and Fox 11 reporter Rod Bernsen, who calls that criticism off the mark. "I think using mister is not only appropriate but also respectable. Of course, I would always make my first reference President Reagan (and probably all subsequent) but to use mister is perfectly acceptable," wrote Bernsen, who has left Fox and is reporting part-time for Channel 4.

10:42 PM Wednesday, June 9 2004 • Link
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Actually, not to get picky, but technically it is improper to refer to Governor Reagan as "President Reagan" after he is out of the oval office. I can't remember to where I need to cite for this, but I think it was a Jefferson notion that since there is only ONE President at any given time, there is only, well, ONE president at any time. The correct way to refer to a former president, then, is by the highest title he held prior to serving as commander in Chief. Governor Clinton, Governor Reagan, etc.

Of course, it's also a bit odd to say that calling him "Mr. Reagan" is disrespectful because a) we called him "Mr. President," for the very good reason that we wanted no tinge of royalty on our shiny new republic and b) the whole point of this shiny new republic is that the president may deserve a lot of respect, but he is still just a citizen of the United States, due all the privileges citizens here get - but really, no more.

He is not king. He is president. And he isn't even that anymore, George W. Bush is. So he's Governor Reagan or Mr. Reagan.

Posted by: cd at June 10, 2004 12:43 PM

An online guide I found to forms of address for US Government officials states that former presidents are first addressed as "The Honorable ..." and after that as "Mister" (or whichever female title is appropriate).

So attending the funeral will be the Honorable Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, George Bush, and Bill Clinton.

Posted by: Bob Timmermann at June 10, 2004 01:18 PM

The Associated Press stylebook -- used by most every newspaper of note -- says to use "former" in front of the title, as in former President Reagan.

Posted by: John Hollon at June 10, 2004 01:27 PM

Kevin, as you rightfully mention, "real names raise the level of discussion" - and I've never been one to hide behind pseudonyms or shy away from offering my personal off-duty opinion in forums that engender such. If asked and relevant, I always owe up to who I am and what I stand for.

In all fairness, I believe you have less than accurately paraphrased my comments at Ron Fineman's website. So be it.

Please know that I offered my personal comments as a Simi Valley resident and sometimes television viewer and not as a Fire Department official. Yes, I happen to work for the agency you mention (and several others), but my comments are mine and mine alone. Isn't that the way it should be?

When I'm speaking on behalf of and attributable to my professional endeavors or political appointments, I'll be sure to say so. Otherwise, they are just the ramblings of a poorly schooled more salt than pepper haired LA observer.

Regards,

Brian Humphrey
Simi Valley, CA

Posted by: Brian Humphrey at June 12, 2004 06:01 PM

Kevin:

I could be wrong (attention Brian Humphrey), but the office of the President is a sworn civil service position. As I understand it, once a titled civil servant, a person is entitled to retain that title, i.e. SGT Rod Bernsen, LAPD, Ret. (like I'd ever insist on that). Now over time, especially with former presidents, I believe that making a reference of president without the former is journalistically acceptable.
As to the mailing address: all members of congress and the senate are referred to as honorable.
Finally Brian, the LAFD should be proud of your talents. Last I recall, expressing your opinion (even as identified as a member of the LAFD) doesn't violate policy? Or does it?

Kevin, thanks for the mention.

Posted by: Rod Bernsen at June 14, 2004 07:45 AM

No, there is no policy issue. I'm welcome to speak as I please during my off-duty time.

Posted by: Brian Humphrey at June 14, 2004 02:08 PM
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