Mediabistro reporting Peter Jennings very near death.

[Lex]

-----------

"Please Pray For Peter Jennings
Let's all say an extra prayer for Peter Jennings tonight.

> Update: 11:50pm: NewsBlues has posted a one-line item: "ABC alerts affiliates to prepare for death of Peter Jennings."

TVNewser heard this several hours ago, but hesitated to post it. An ABC spokesperson denied that affiliates were being informed that Jennings' condition had worsened.

> Update: 11:55pm: "May God bless Peter and give him and his family strength during these very tough times," a TVSpyer says."

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/abc/please_pray_for_peter_jennings_24350.asp

[Sannum]

1. .

:(

[oldtime dfl_er]

2. damn

He said he was going to fight as hard as he could and I know he did that. RIP

[DesEtoiles]

3. God Bless. I remember watching him when he was still in London.

[anitar1]

87. If anyone bothered to read the link,

you would see that now they are saying it was a mistake. He is not near death.

[checks-n-balances]

92. True,and this thread was started just after midnight, the update after 9am

Sometime between the updates, this thread got nominated and commented on. Anyway, that latest update says:

> Update: Sunday, 9:59am: NewsBlues has removed its earlier statement, which stated that ABC affiliates were preparing for Jennings' death. An ABC spokesperson reiterated that this information was incorrect.

> Update: 11:55pm: "May God bless Peter and give him and his family strength during these very tough times," a TVSpyer says.

And HERE'S here's how the original source, bills itself on their home page:

"NewsBlues: Serving tasty television news gossip since 1998."

(and it doesn't look like they've retracted or updated anything, because all they say now is: ">>ABC alerts some affiliates to prepare for death of Peter Jennings")

I guess we'll find out if it true or not and, in any case, he won't be around much longer in his condition.

(Edited for grammar correction)

[The Straight Story]

4. I met him in Beatty, Nevada a few years ago

Seemed like a nice enough fellow. I hope this report is wrong. Any word on what the problem is????

[Sannum]

6. he was diagnosed with cancer several months ago.

I believe it is lung cancer:(

[FreedomAngel82]

20. I didn't know it was lung cancer

My grandfather died of that a few days after my birthday last month. :( Sad about Mr. Jennings. I hope his family is doing okay. I know how hard that is to watch someone you love suffer and want them to be normal again. :cry:

[Lex]

7. He stepped down as anchor several months ago and publicly

announced he had just been diagnosed with lung cancer.

[Spider Jerusalem]

8. Um...he has lung cancer.

Too advanced for surgery. Apparently not responding to radiation. The prognosis for that is usually rather grim.

[Erika]

5. A good man

[Liberal In Texas]

9. Awww...and I was feeling all cheery about the Russian submariners being

rescued.

What a shame.

[proud patriot]

10. very sad

:-(

[niallmac]

11. Poor Peter. A truly decent man. A class act.

[serryjw]

12. No updates on Google or Yahoo??

n/t

[Halliburton]

13. it's a rumor right now

there's no confirmination of this right now. when there is, there will be a report. but if true, this would be really sad.

[Lex]

14. Easy to search I suppose. Probably not picked up yet. nt

[Faygo Kid]

15. Prayers. This is heartbreaking.

A class act. I just quit smoking 3 months ago, after 37 years. I know I am doomed from that, but dammit, tonight I feel very sad about one of the greats. Think it's time to write Walter and tell him how very much I have admired him. Too many are leaving us.

[Eloriel]

79. Congrats! I quit on Dec. 10 after about that long

Stay with it. And don't even ever THINK you can "have just one" (which is how I got re-hooked last time I quit). This time I'm not even tempted, which is wonderful.

I was thinking about jennings just a day or two ago and wondering how he was doing. I hadn't heard the cancer was inoperable.

[Hubert Flottz]

95. I quit on Dec 16th,2004, the day I had a massive heart attack...

I haven't had one since! A good friend of mine is dying from lung cancer now. My Dad died from it several years ago. I'd been smoking for over 40 years when I quit. I too know the danger of having just one more smoke, because like yourself I had quit several years ago for 8 months and I got hooked again, by thinking I could smoke one or two and it would be okay.

I still want one sometimes, but it's getting easier every day to quickly put it out of my head, when the cravings strike. When I do want a smoke, I think about how damned bad that heart attack HURT! The pain was horrible and the wild ride to the hospital, is something that I never want to go through again... Dec,16th was the only time in my life that I thought I might really be dying. I never did get real scared, because I knew that was the worst thing I could have done! I think the guys hauling me to the hospital were scared worse than I was! After they got me to the hospital and then the doctors and nurses ran with me everywhere they took me, was when I started to freak!

Cigarettes...I can live without them!!!

[PittLib]

83. Good for you ...

I'm on day 2. I quit last year - from March to Nov.2. I was so nervous on election day that I bought a pack. After the loss, I was too depressed to care. But I am at it again. No excuses this time ... not even devastating loss.

[Maru Kitteh]

86. Eventually you will wonder what the hell you were thinking and why

you ever wanted one of those filthy things anyway. It does get easier with time. I quit 5 years and 35 days ago after 15 years of addiction.

Those of you who smoke: You are a DISPOSABLE commodity to the Republican scumbag industry you are handing your money to. You are being poisoned and you are paying dearly for the privilege. Stop. If you can't do it for yourself, do it for all of the other people in your life but for Gods sake stop.

[shimmergal]

93. You're not necessarily doomed.

I quit 15 years ago, after about as long a period of smoking as you've had. The first year after, I had _really_ strange symptoms, and was sure I'd waited too long and had some terrible lung malady.

That, however, was 15 years ago. After 15 years the lungs repair themselves to almost the same condition as a person's who hasn't ever smoked. That seems to be the case with me (fingers crossed, but according to two recent x-rays my lungs look OK.) Your mortality figures are infinitely better as an ex-smoker than as a smoker.

I too, feel so bad about Peter Jennings. But hang in there, Faygokid;
congratulations on quitting and stick with it!

[Gemini Cat]

16. I always liked him.

I hope this is just a rumour.

[Booster]

17. Mr. Jennings was a very classy act and one of the best in the

business. I've missed him already and will pray for him now.

[lonestarnot]

18. Ah this is so sad... Sure did not have long after the diagnosis did he....

:cry:

[Lex]

19. Inoperable lung cancer can be very quick

unfortunately.

A relative of mine only lived 3 months after his diagnosis of lung cancer.

So sad.

[lonestarnot]

22. Tammy Faye Baker is still putting on her eyelashes... Must be a different

kind of cancer.

[FreedomAngel82]

23. My grandfather had it

and he started feeling symptoms last late October and then he found out earlier this year he had it and he died the Thursday of July 18th. :( He was doing really well in his treatments nad was almost done. Then out of nowhere he started not eating and didn't eat for several days and then he was dying. :( I hope Mr. Jennings is okay and this is just a rumor.

[loudsue]

63. I'm sorry for your loss, FreedomAngel82.

Losing those you love is so hard.

It is only a little bit of comfort knowing that they aren't suffering, and that they're in a place of peace.

It's missing them, and remembering them, that hurts so much.

(((((((BIG HUG))))))))

:kick:

[deadparrot]

21. How awful.

It went so fast. One can only hope it's not true.

[applegrove]

24. Sending vibes.

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[Lex]

27. . . . it's just you. nt

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[Spider Jerusalem]

38. Media garden implements?

This is a hoe:

[Gabi Hayes]

40. punchline from a schoolboy joke:

'my SISter's a ho' and she don't look NUTHin like that!'

[niallmac]

77. How did such a fine garden tool become an epithet? English is kooky!

[Lecky]

35. Sweet Jesus!

You hear that Peter Jennings is on his death bed and you feel it's important to point out his RW leanings? Wow!

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[rumpel]

26. It is sad, he still should have so much life ahead of him...

[SunDrop23]

28. Sorry to hear that.

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[peacebaby3]

41. I lost my 45 yr. old sister to lung cancer less than a year ago. This is

so horrible. I learned so much about lung cancer and how deadly it is. If he had inoperable lung cancer, then the survival rate is 1%. That's what my sister had. She lived a little less than 10 months after she was diagnosed. I have seen some bad things in my life, but nothing as horrible as watching her die. It still haunts me and I can't understand why anyone would have to suffer like that. Like Peter Jennings, she too had quit smoking many years before she had cancer so quitting is good, but still no guarantee. I feel so bad for his family if this is true.

Politics play no role in my empathy for him and his family. I will pray for them.

[Radio_Lady]

45. I wish you could convince my sister-in-law, age 63. She's been smoking

since she was a teenager. Her husband had a heart attack and he gave up smoking, but she kept on. She insists her lungs are fine. It's such a terrible addiction. I can hear that emphysema voice when I talk to her. She insists it's "allergies" and she gets routine shots.

My husband is nine years older than she is, but somehow I fear he will outlive her. My parents both smoked and Mother died at 71, Dad at 76, of other causes. However, I do believe that smoking hastened both of their deaths.

Sorry that Peter Jennings didn't get the message that "Smoking kills..." Many others I worked with in broadcasting gave it up years ago.

[alarimer]

81. My mom smokes too

Has for years. I don't know how much but we can't convince her to quit.
My dad has smoked on and off but now no longer does. He is one of those people that seem to be able to quit cold turkey. Fortunately for him.

[Lex]

46. Sorry to hear about your sister. Very sad.

I know it must've been terrible for everyone who loved your sister.

Hearing stuff like this in the news can bring up old hurt to the surface.

Peace. :hug:

[chookie]

48. A hug is heading your way

I can't imagine losing my own dear sister before her time, and learning that you have had to live with this -- I am filled with deep compassion and sympathy for you. :hug:

[Faygo Kid]

51. Bless you, and I am so sorry.

I quit three months ago (this time, after many attempts, for good, at 53). It's too late, though, and I know that after 37 years of smoking. I so very much extend my sincere sympathy, and bless you for sharing your story. It may make a difference, but you already knew that.

[niallmac]

76. Too late?

Unless you have been diagnosed with inoperable cancer and I most sincerely hope not...it is not too late to stop smoking. If you kept smoking the damage would continue. It stops now. What is done is done. I agree. But you have accomplished a terrifically difficult task and I congratulate you. Live long.

[peacebaby3]

57. Thanks so much.

For all of the kind thoughts. It's really appreciated.

Yes, this does bring up some sad memories. The one year anniversary is Aug. 27th and I have been dreading it. Sometime over the next few weeks, I have to go spread her ashes as well. Hurricane Ivan destroyed the place that she had requested her ashes be spread about a week after her memorial service. It has just been rebuilt where you can get to it so I now have that to think about that as well.

I lost my mother less than 4 months later on Dec. 19th so the next few months are going to be tough, but I also have a lot of peace because I feel they are still with me in some way and I will join them one day.

As far as smoking goes, I used to smoke as well. Never very heavy, but still enough. I quit about 4 years ago. I don't really push the anti-smoking message because I know when I used to smoke and someone continually brought it up it really irritated me and probably would make me smoke more (I fully admit that is stupid) but it's also true. I definitely tell ppl. about what happened to my sister and do mention to any friend that smokes ONE time that I would be happy to help them quit.

BUT, one thing I do mention to everyone is to get a chest X-ray at least once a year! They believe my sister had the lung tumor for 3-5 years before she was diagnosed and if she had gotten a chest x-ray it would have been diagnosed much sooner. A chest x-ray is not a normal part of a physical and you would probably have to request it. It will also probably not be covered by your insurance (don't you love ins. co(s)???) because it will be considered un-unnecessary. They don't care about preventive treatment! I suggest to everyone that once a year they complain of breathing problems or chest pains, etc. so the DR. orders it for treatment and then your insurance (for those lucky enough to have any) may very well cover it. This is important whether you smoke or not, but particularly if you smoke or have ever smoked.

Faygokid, Congratulations on quitting!!!!! I know how hard it is and I still have to work at it some days so hang in there.

[Endangered Specie]

42. Where did THIS come from?!

:wtf: :( :(

[chookie]

44. Say it ain't so, Joe (Lex)

I've admired Jennings since he was a reporter in London. I sat with him over many crises.

He was a superb anchor -- poised, graceful, smart, a total pro, and he had that beautiful face. Over many years, apart from his anchor duties, he produced some excellent programs about world trouble spots, like the Middle East, in an attempt to help Americans understand the history and complexity of issues relevant to considerations or actions of our government. He tried to educate Americans, to get them thinking, and I was always grateful for his efforts.

He might not have singlehandedly prevented the Bush era, as some here seem to feel it was his mission to do, but he has been wonderful, classy and enlightening.

I know he was in a tough fight and feared/fear the worse for this mortal man, but it is my prayer that he recover, and if not, to die peacefully.

[Name removed]

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[Hekate]

65. Nice tribute -- thanks for putting it so well, Chookie

Like millions of others, I only "know" Peter Jennings from his broadcasts into my home. I liked what I saw -- I didn't always agree with his approach, but I liked him and I have missed him ever since he had to go on medical leave. Just this week I wondered when we'd be getting an update about him -- and I'm so sorry that this is the update.

Hekate

[T Town Jake]

49. Sorry to hear that. May he RIP.

(n/t)

[Spock_is_Skeptical]

50. Oh no... well, that is sad to hear.

[Digit]

52. Peace, PJ

[southlandshari]

64. My thoughts on Jennings tonight...

As someone who majored in journalism twenty years ago because I thought it was one of the last refuges of truth tellers, I admit I have been bitterly disappointed by the direction of the MSM in the last few years in particular. There isn't a mainstream newsperson on any of the major networks or cable news channels that hasn't shown some signs of caving to the corporate powers that be at one time or another, even those icons I have long respected, like Jennings and Rather.

My disappointment and anger at the MSM aside, I am glad this thread was started as a place for human expressions of concern and condolence for someone who did more right than wrong over his decades of reporting around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with Jennings and his loved ones tonight.

:hi:

[Lex]

74. Thanks, southlandshari. You put it so well.

That's how I feel about it too.

[MelissaB]

75. I agree. Thanks, shothlandshari.

[Rainscents]

66. Mr. Jenning... I will pray for you. You will always be my hero!

I really like Peter, he truly a good person and always try to do the right things... Thank you for all the great news reporting!

[uppityperson]

67. We had a "how serious is the news" joke about Mr.Jennings last 4 yrs

If he had his suitcoat off, it was a bad news night. If he had his suitcoat on, no really bad news. He took his coat off to get comfortable during bad news times, and it was our fast gauge- coat on or off. I liked him on the news.

[Name removed]

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[underpants]

69. Nice

very classy.

Did he really sandbag Clark or did he (possibly by accident) throw W's National Guard history into the mainstream media?

[Name removed]

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[progressivebydesign]

73. That's disgusting The RNC obviously hasn't cornered the market on filth NT

[wildflower]

71. It's showed up on Google now

Though I can't get to the article. Google entry:

Peter Jennings Reportedly Near Death
National Ledger, AZ - 27 minutes ago

By CK Rairden. Longtime ABC anchor Peter Jennings was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year and told ABC viewers in early April that he had the disease. ...

http://www.nationalledger.com/scribe/article_2726142.shtml

[Lex]

72. Thanks for the updated link, wildflower. nt

[SillyGoose]

78. So sorry to hear this. Prayers for Peter and his family.

:(

[ignatius 2]

80. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in May of '93 and

died in September '93, despite chemo and radiation. Part of me was glad she didn't suffer long, the other part is so sad and missed her every,single day.

I hope he is not suffering, he seemed like a decent man and I for one like the solemn tone he used when discussing solemn events. Some of these happy,perky newscasters who smile after talking about the worst stuff make me sick.

[Inspired]

82. The last time I saw him

was 3 days before the election. He was with Kerry in Des Moines. He is an elegant man. Someone fainted in the crowd and Mr. Jennings was very concerned and help part the crowd so the paramedics could get to them.

I will miss him. I have missed him.

[RSchewe]

84. How reliable is the source for this information?

I am a bit suspect since it is not being reported anywhere. This is not something that would go without mention. He is the last of the big three network anchors. Rather, Brokaw, and he, Jennings.

Nevertheless if it is true, it is sad news. Who would have thought all of them would be leaving after seeing them all together during the presidential campaign on C-SPAN talking about the state of the media.

[anitar1]

88. Not reliable at all! Read the link. n/t

[Lex]

89. I don't know of any stories they've gotten wrong.

Maybe you are more familiar with their long-term track record.

[Lex]

98. Apparently they were very reliable.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8864210/

[Catshrink]

85. He was a local reporter when I was growing up in Seattle.

We were so proud of him when he was promoted to ABC network news. I know he was Canadian, but I've always felt he was our Seattle hometown boy.

This is sad news. RIP, Peter.

[Akoto]

90. I hope that he goes peacefully.

One my my grandfathers died of lung cancer, and it's certainly not a fate I'd wish on anyone. My thoughts are with Mr. Jennings now.

[Tace]

91. I Met Jennings About 10 Years Ago At Cafe Des Artist In Manhattan

He was a regular at the Upper West Side restaurant. My wife and I were having dinner one night when he walked in. He stopped at our table for a few moments and said hi.

He was as pleasant and gracious as you might imagine.

[wishlist]

94. I respect him for covering bad news from Iraq daily and no Swiftboat lies

I watched his show regularly during the past couple of years and was impressed with how he made a point to cover the deaths and setbacks in the Iraq war each evening as well as problems and failures of the Bush Administration. He never allowed any anti-Kerry Swiftboat liar stories to air on his broadcast. I never detected any RW bias and he seemed to have more integrity, fairness and competence than most of the TV hosts.

I have missed him and am sorry to hear this bad news.

[southlandshari]

96. Kick - ABC reporting Jennings has passed away

Thought it was worth keeping this thread of thoughts and prayers for his family going...

[Lex]

99. Thanks, southlandshari, for the kick.

I didn't see your post before I posted the new link.

Very sad.

[Lex]

97. Major news outlets reporting that Peter Jennings has died.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8864210/

[Blue_Roses]

100. very sad

I warched him all day on 9-11. Never will forget that last interview he and Clinton had. He will be missed.

[Radio_Lady]

101. Gawd damned cigarettes -- kill so many good people --