Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Television production
19 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Keyes, Haldeman, Bull
President Nixon met with Mark I. Goode to discuss the technical and production aspects of filming White House events, specifically focusing on camera angles and proximity during press segments. They reviewed a recent "60 Minutes" interview with Morley Safer and addressed concerns regarding intrusive filming practices during a forthcoming dinner. The President instructed Goode to manage the production to ensure high-quality coverage while minimizing disruption to guests and maintaining professional standards.
President Nixon met with a television crew in the Oval Office to debrief following a recent broadcast and express gratitude for their technical assistance. The discussion focused on the timing of the President’s recent remarks, which ran slightly longer than anticipated at 21 minutes. The participants also briefly touched upon logistics for the President's upcoming interview at the American Society of Newspaper Editors convention.
President Nixon met with a television production crew in the Oval Office to prepare for a televised address regarding the situation in Southeast Asia. The discussion focused on technical logistics, including microphone placement, the President’s physical positioning, and the use of visual aids. The crew provided final instructions to ensure optimal framing and audio clarity just minutes before the live broadcast began.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss the logistical challenges of scheduling tailoring appointments and addressing quality concerns regarding the work of Benjamin Freeman. The conversation focuses on coordinating future clothing needs for the President, including specific requests for lightweight suits, tuxedos, and outerwear to be prepared for upcoming television appearances and public events. Nixon tasks Woods with consulting production experts William H. Carruthers and Paul W. Keyes regarding wardrobe aesthetics to ensure optimal presentation on camera.
President Nixon calls television producer Paul W. Keyes to congratulate him on the successful season premiere of the comedy program *Laugh-In*. Keyes reports that the show achieved high ratings, outperforming competitors and securing a dominant share of the viewing audience. The conversation also includes a brief discussion regarding public relations strategies for First Lady Pat Nixon, with the President suggesting that media coverage should focus on her interactions with others rather than direct interviews to better showcase her demeanor.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate logistics for an upcoming televised Q&A session at the Detroit Economic Club, emphasizing the need to minimize distracting camera equipment and balance audience seating. The two also discussed strategies for framing economic and legislative topics, including tax reform and the Consumer Price Index, while reviewing the current state of White House press corps relations. Additionally, they touched upon planning a retirement reception for longtime wire service reporter Douglas B. Cornell and addressed potential responses to military developments in Vietnam.
President Nixon held a brief, informal check-in with television producer Paul W. Keyes to discuss the progress and ratings of his variety program. The two exchanged personal pleasantries and briefly recalled past shared experiences on the yacht 'Mojo.' Nixon expressed interest in future episodes, specifically requesting updates on an upcoming show featuring Liza Minnelli and a special 100th-episode milestone appearance by John 'Duke' Wayne, for which the President promised to send a congratulatory telegram.
President Nixon met with an unknown individual, likely a representative of an NBC film crew, to facilitate the production of televised footage within the Oval Office. The discussion focused on logistical coordination and the specific positioning of equipment to ensure the desired visual coverage. Nixon authorized the crew to take a lunch break as they finalized their setup for the recording session.
President Nixon consulted with Alvin Snyder regarding logistics for a CBS Christmas television special. The discussion focused on coordinating the President’s arrival time to ensure he could receive makeup application before filming began. Nixon ultimately decided to head to the location in five minutes to begin his segment of the production.
President Nixon and television producer Paul W. Keyes exchanged New Year's greetings and briefly discussed the President's upcoming travel schedule between Florida, Washington, and California. Nixon confirmed his participation in an upcoming CBS television interview with Dan Rather while noting his preference for a quiet weekend. The conversation concluded with casual remarks regarding their respective workloads and social acquaintances.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman discuss political strategy regarding an upcoming Vietnam policy announcement, focusing on which cabinet members should be consulted for input on publicity and media tactics. They also coordinate details for an upcoming televised interview with CBS correspondent Dan Rather, specifically rejecting proposed 'teaser' questions and staging elements to maintain presidential decorum. Haldeman confirms he has successfully negotiated the format with Rather to avoid these gimmicks and ensure the interview proceeds directly from the Oval Office.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman evaluated the technical production of the President’s recent television interview with Dan Rather, expressing dissatisfaction with the camera angles and framing. They discussed potential improvements for future media appearances to avoid unflattering visual effects. Additionally, the pair strategized on the political benefits of appointing a qualified woman to a government council, with the President directing Haldeman to gauge the support of key officials for a specific candidate.
President Nixon and aide Stephen B. Bull coordinate the technical logistics for an upcoming rehearsal of the State of the Union Address. The President instructs Bull to arrange a test of the new podium and lighting setups in the Roosevelt Room to ensure proper television presentation. Additionally, the pair discusses the delivery of materials from Secretary of State William P. Rogers and routine adjustments to the President's daily schedule.
President Nixon called CBS President Frank Stanton to offer formal commendation for the professionalism of the technical crews who produced recent broadcasts, specifically citing Julie Nixon Eisenhower's Christmas special, Dan Rather's interview, and his own January 25, 1972, Vietnam address. Stanton reciprocated by sharing positive viewership ratings for the President's recent speech and noting the high public engagement. The conversation concluded with Nixon requesting that Stanton document his praise in the employees' personnel files and convey his appreciation to CBS Chairman William S. Paley.
H. R. Haldeman consulted media consultant William H. Carruthers to evaluate the President’s televised address regarding Vietnam. Carruthers praised the President’s relaxed pacing, confident delivery, and physical appearance, attributing the success to a deliberate, unhurried speaking style. The pair concluded that technical presentation was secondary to the President’s performance, though they decided to lower future camera angles to better manage his appearance on screen.
President Nixon reviews the technical lighting requirements for his upcoming televised address on Vietnam with Mark I. Goode. The discussion centers on the strategic messaging for the speech, specifically emphasizing the protection of American lives and the necessity of mutual non-interference between the United States and the Soviet Union regarding their respective allies. The conversation ensures that the production quality supports the President's diplomatic tone as he addresses the global implications of the conflict.
President Nixon met with his aide, Stephen B. Bull, to review the scheduling of an upcoming appointment with Charles W. Colson. The discussion centered on arrangements for a television taping session involving Colson. Bull exited the Oval Office shortly after the brief logistical consultation.
President Nixon met with his aide Stephen B. Bull to review and refine a draft of an upcoming speech. The discussion centered on specific revisions to the text and coordination regarding the logistics of the television taping for the address. Ultimately, the President provided his formal approval of the document to finalize the preparations.
President Nixon met with a film crew in the Oval Office to record his public remarks regarding a new energy policy message being transmitted to Congress. The session involved extensive technical coordination, including adjustments to lighting, audio equipment, and camera positioning to ensure the production met broadcast standards. After encountering technical issues and performance miscues during the initial recording, the President successfully re-filmed the statement in its entirety before concluding the session.