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Conversation 467-004

TapeTape 467StartFriday, March 12, 1971 at 8:19 AMEndFriday, March 12, 1971 at 8:20 AMTape start time00:02:39Tape end time00:04:36ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Ziegler, Ronald L.Recording deviceOval Office
AI Summary

President Nixon directed Press Secretary Ronald L. Ziegler to strictly control the broadcast usage of his recent interview on the 'Today' show. Nixon issued explicit orders that the footage was to be aired only in its entirety during the morning program and prohibited the media from using any excerpts for promotional spots, news segments, or Q&A clips. Ziegler was tasked with immediately communicating these non-negotiable requirements to the network to ensure compliance.

Media RelationsToday ShowPress StrategyBroadcast ControlPublic Relations
AudioNARA Description

On March 12, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Ronald L. Ziegler met in the Oval Office of the White House from 8:19 am to 8:20 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 467-004 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 467-4

Date: March 12, 1971
Time: 8:19 am - 8:20 am
Location: Oval Office

The President met with Ronald L. Ziegler

     President’s “Today” show interview
          -Use
                -President’s instructions
                      -Howard K. Smith
                      -Excerpts
                -Promotional spots
                -President’s instructions
                      -News shows
                      -Ziegler

Ziegler left at 8:20 am
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Say one thing I want to say.
They can only use that in their morning show.
Do you understand that?
If they don't understand it, they better.
Because I don't want them to come harsh on me.
That's an order.
That's not a request.
They can only use it in total?
Yes, sir.
They're not exerted?
That is clear.
They can only use it in their morning?
That is clear.
Is that understood?
Yes, sir.
Well, they are going to use promotion and so forth.
They're going to promote this very big for the morning today.
They cannot use any of the excerpts on the promotion.
I will not have anything to do that to.
He gets the first crack.
We did that deliberately wrong.
Yes, sir.
Give him the first crack.
I don't want them to use anything.
I don't want them on the news shows or anything like that.
I don't want to be in the Q&A.
They are not to use any of the Q&A on their news shows.
Is that understood?
That's an order.
Yes, sir.
Call right away.
I don't care about that.
I do not allow it.
You understand the obligation.
I do not allow it to be used under no circumstances.
That's an order.
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