Ron Nessen passes away at 90 after serving as Ford's press secretary

Ron Nessen, a veteran broadcast journalist, died at the age of 90 in Bethesda, Maryland. His passing was confirmed by his son, Edward Nessen. Nessen, who replaced Jerald F. terHorst as White House press secretary in September 1974, took on the role amid a crisis where the position had lost credibility following the Watergate scandal. Previously, he had a distinguished career as a television correspondent for NBC News, covering national and international affairs, including President Gerald Ford's vice presidency. As press secretary, it was Nessen's mission to restore the integrity of the office, focusing on providing information to the public rather than simply promoting presidential policies. While known for his sense of humor, he also acknowledged being short-tempered and sarcastic, which added to the complexity of his role during challenging times in the White House. After serving Ford through a tumultuous period, Nessen transitioned to writing and public relations, producing several novels and managing radio news operations. In reflecting on his career, he expressed a preference for journalism over being a press secretary, stating he was more comfortable observing than being part of the political spectacle. Nessen's contributions to the field of journalism and his unique perspective as a former press secretary remain significant in the history of White House communications.