National Press Club Statement on Passing of Mary Tyler Moore

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement on the passing of Mary Tyler Moore was issued today by National Press Club President Jeff Ballou:

"We were sad to hear of the passing of Mary Tyler Moore who visited the Press Club on several occasions to discuss the many charitable causes she supported. We were pleased that she was once a speaker for our world-renowned luncheon programs. Members and staff have fond memories of her visit.

"The Mary Tyler Moore show, which was set in a television newsroom, did much to introduce Americans -- and particularly young Americans -- to the world of TV News. Through the show's characters, the nation was able to imagine what a news director, anchor, writer and desk assistant did to put on a newscast. There is no doubt that more than one career was launched by families watching the Twin Cities news team meet deadline for another show. At that time broadcast news teams were like extensions of the American family. They were in living rooms at the times of our deepest tragedies and great accomplishments. Times have changed as has television but the Mary Tyler Moore show depicted journalists as human beings with full lives at home and friendships at work and that was probably a good thing for the public's understanding of the media."

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534

SOURCE National Press Club