Ron Nessen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ron Nessen
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Nessen in 2004
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| 15th White House Press Secretary | |
| In office September 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977 |
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| President | Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Jerald terHorst |
| Succeeded by | Jody Powell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ronald Harold Nessen
May 25, 1934 Rockville, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | March 12, 2025 (aged 90) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3 |
| Education |
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Ronald Harold Nessen (May 25, 1934 – March 12, 2025) was an American journalist and government official. He was best known as the 15th White House Press Secretary for President Gerald Ford. He held this important job from 1974 to 1977. He took over from Jerald terHorst. TerHorst had resigned after President Ford pardoned former president Richard Nixon.
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Early Life and Education
Ron Nessen was born in Rockville, Maryland, on May 25, 1934. He grew up in the Shepherd Park area of Washington, D.C.. He went to Calvin Coolidge High School. Later, he graduated from American University.
Journalism Career
Nessen started his career as a journalist. He first worked at Maryland's Montgomery County Sentinel. After that, he moved on to United Press and NBC News.
Reporting on President Ford
On August 9, 1974, the day Gerald Ford became president, Nessen was reporting on the news. That evening, he was on the NBC Nightly News. In his report, Nessen talked about Jerald terHorst being appointed Press Secretary. Just one month later, Nessen would take over that very job himself. He served until the end of the Ford administration in January 1977.
War Correspondent Experience
Nessen also worked for NBC News as a war correspondent. He reported from the Vietnam War. In July 1966, he was seriously hurt. This happened while he was on patrol outside Pleiku in the Central Highlands. He was hit by grenade fragments. His cameraman, Peter Boultwood, was with him at the time.
Television Appearances
On April 17, 1976, Ron Nessen made history. He was the first political figure to host Saturday Night Live. His episode is also famous because Gerald Ford himself opened the show. President Ford said the well-known line: "Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" In an earlier episode of the show, Nessen was played by actor Buck Henry.
Later Career
After his time as Press Secretary, Nessen continued his work in media. He hosted "Panorama," a long-running news program on WTTG. Later, he became the head of the news department at the Mutual Broadcasting System. This role also included overseeing NBC Radio News.
Peabody Awards
Nessen was a member of the Peabody Awards Board of Jurors. He served on this board from 1996 to 2003. In 2003, he was the Chair of the board. The Peabody Awards honor excellence in television, radio, and online media.
Personal Life
Ron Nessen was married three times. He first married Sandra Frey in 1954. They had two children, but one sadly passed away at age five. They later divorced. In 1967, he married Young Hi Song. They had a son together before divorcing in 1981. In 1988, he married Johanna Newman, who was also a journalist. This marriage also ended in divorce.
Death
Ron Nessen passed away in Bethesda, Maryland, on March 12, 2025. He was 90 years old.
