In Washington, Ron Nessen, a distinguished figure in broadcast journalism who served as President Gerald Ford’s press secretary, has passed away at the age of 90. Nessen’s death was confirmed by his son, Edward, and he passed away on Wednesday in Bethesda, Maryland.
Nessen stepped into the role of press secretary in September 1974, shortly after Ford’s presidency began, succeeding Jerald F. terHorst who resigned over Ford’s controversial pardon of Richard Nixon. Prior to this, Nessen had been following Ford’s activities as vice president while he was a broadcast journalist with NBC News, marking him as the first broadcaster to transition to the White House press team.
Having developed a professional rapport with Ford despite his critical inquiries about the Watergate scandal, Nessen was tasked with mending the credibility of the press secretary position. This credibility had suffered under Nixon’s administration, where Ron Ziegler had presided over a distrusted press operation.
Upon assuming his role, Nessen, then aged 40, assured reporters he would never knowingly lie or mislead them. He emphasized that his primary duty was to inform the public rather than to necessarily endorse the president’s policies, even stating that if he failed in truthfulness, his role should be examined critically.
Known for his humor, Nessen humorously quipped on his first day, “I’m a Ron, not a Ziegler,” referencing Ford’s famous phrase. Despite his charm, he sometimes struggled with his temperament, admitting to being irritable and thin-skinned.
Nessen prided himself on expanding journalists’ access to Ford, allowing follow-up questions at press conferences and facilitating the president’s participation in a live television news program—an unprecedented move with Ford’s appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Perhaps most notably, Nessen became the first non-entertainer to host “Saturday Night Live,” during the show’s inaugural season. The episode aired during Ford’s re-election campaign and included the president making appearances, hoping to show his good nature amidst the comedic jabs.
Despite the subsequent critique over his involvement with the comedy show, Nessen stood firm in his belief that he could handle such engagements, although he later reflected that it might not have been the wisest decision as the show continued to lampoon his boss.
Born on May 25, 1934, in Washington, Ronald H. Nessen was the son of a store owner and a bookkeeper. His journey in journalism began in radio during his high school and college years, with his academic pursuits taking him through Shepherd College and American University.
His career led him through various news outlets, culminating in pivotal roles within NBC News, where he reported on critical issues such as civil rights and the Vietnam War—his coverage there resulting in him being wounded.
After Ford’s election defeat in 1976, Nessen transitioned into writing and public relations, holding executive positions in communications and contributing to the field through multiple memoirs and novels.
Reflecting on his career shift, Nessen acknowledged the allure of being in the limelight but ultimately found greater satisfaction as a journalist.
He leaves behind a son, a daughter, a sister, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
