Rumors to the contrary, lawyers are human, too. That`s why the Kentucky Bar Association decreed that lawyers henceforth must be courteous in the courtroom. Disturbed by television portrayals of lawyers as ”aggressive, loud, obnoxious persons” who also are insulting, the association has imposed a Code of Professional Courtesy. ”I think it`s terrible that a profession like the law has to have this type of code imposed,” observed Martin Johnstone, chief Jefferson Circuit Court judge. ”But from what I`ve seen over the past few years, I think it`s necessary.”
SORRY, GERALDO Speaking of excesses, professed journalist Geraldo Rivera is losing the welcome mat at NBC. Network Entertainment President Brandon Tartikoff, conceding an error in judgment in broadcasting Rivera`s grisly special on Satanism, swore on a stack of Bibles (honest) at a news conference to avoid repeat performances. ”I would not say it was our finest hour,” admitted Tartikoff. ”I don`t think you`ll be seeing more programs like that from NBC.”
CBS BETS ON OLLIE Not even waiting for the verdict, CBS is rushing to film ”Guts and Glory: The Rise and Fall of Oliver North.” Earmarked for airing in May, the four-hour miniseries will cover North`s life from 1964, when he was 21, through his rise in the National Security Council, to his role in the Iran-contra scandal. The final week of filming is scheduled in Washington at the end of January-when North`s trial is scheduled to open. David Keith will star as North. Amy Stock-Poynton will play Fawn Hall.
NIXON ON TV, BUSH Once there was a time that newspaper publishers manipulated the masses. Newspapers still are important, observes Richard Nixon, ”but only if their work is picked up and amplified by TV.” In an article on the subject in TV Guide, the former president wrote that President Reagan`s ability to manipulate TV coverage can`t be replicated by George Bush, who nonetheless should create a ”department of television strategy” in his management team. ”Of all the institutions arrayed with and against a president, none controls his fate more than television,” wrote Nixon, whose ability to conduct unannounced war was undone by the small screen. ”Unless a president learns how to harness its power, his administration is in trouble from the very beginning.”
