STAN FREBERG HERE...Obits In Advance
Stan Freberg here. When prominent people pass on, the TV networks are all ready. "Film at 11." Ever wonder how that happens? [:60 SPOT BREAK]
When Barry Goldwater died, as well as Frank Sinatra, did video editors work around the clock? Not a chance.
Once in the vaults at CBS, I stumbled on the "Obits" section. There were videotapes, ready to roll: Reagan obit, George Bush obit; I said to an engineer, "Hey, these people are still alive!" He shrugged. "Why wait 'til the last minute?" I got out of there fast without checking the "F" section.
Another time when John Wayne was ill, but still alive, I overheard an announcer saying, "John Wayne, dead at 77." Pause. "John Wayne, dead at 78...you want a '79'?" The CBS producer said, "Yeah, he's a tough old bird, better cover our bases." "John Wayne, dead at 79."
Ah, the media...
Stan Freberg here.
Copyright (C)1998, Stan Freberg/Freberg, Ltd. (but not very) Distributed by Dick Brescia Associates and Radio Spirits, Inc.