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by Jeremy_Ross from FOX 6 Milwaukee

Last Post 4 days, 18 hours Ago


Kiss of Death?
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:47 PM
Category: News
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I decided to wait a bit before blogging about the dude who decided to play kissy-face during my live shot this past week. Here's the link if you missed it.

Let me first say depending on my reaction to the completely absurd situation -- it could have been a "job ending" live shot -- a "Kiss of Death."

Fortunately, I'm still employed and after washing the smell of NASCAR and Jeff Foxworthy off my cheek (not that there's anything wrong with either) I'm no worse for wear.

In hind sight I'm disappointed the story I was doing -- concern over a military display which was thought to be insensitive to the thousands who lost their lives in the War -- seemed to be a sidebar to the "live shot fiasco."

To all those involved in that story -- I wish that "Larry the Cable Guy" would have recognized he might distract from a very serious issue and thought twice about doing something that stupid.

I'm rather certain, however, he was not thinking and not sober.

I apologize if the nature of the story was marginalized by my reaction to the bearded idiot.

That said, most people I have talked to say it was handled with as much grace and humor as was warranted and I'm even able to laugh about it -- and I have a feeling as the months go by my laughter will improve like a fine wine.

But let me tell you what's not funny. This kind of thing is happening more and more. My friend and former co-worker, Dan Ponce, was licked on the face while doing a live shot for the ABC affiliate in Chicago (his video has been removed from most websites).

Kathy Cheek, a reporter in North Carolina got one planted on her face during her live shot. Click here for that video. Can't say three incidents is an alarming trend, but it needs to stop.

I'm not aware of any of the above cases including mine resulting in assault charges. Yes, by the way, in strict legal terms all the above cases (depending on local/state laws) could be defined as assaults. But if this kind of activity continues should we (reporters) press charges when the next idiot forces an Awkward moment during a moment of live local coverage?

How would you feel if I jumped into your cubicle while you're finishing your spreadsheet, TPS Report or business calls and left a trail of saliva on your face? I'm willing to bet a call to security and charges would follow.

I believe all the reporters I've mentioned don't want to burden the legal system with the silliness of an unwanted lick or kiss, but would that discourage the idiocy? Or will people finally remember elementary manners and realize that it's inappropriate and violating?

I just ask all of you considering doing something zany during a live shot to think of this before you do -- "Would you want that done to you while you're at work"? Even a drunk idiot would probably say no.

I'm going to leave the comments my friends and colleagues wrote me following my incident in the comments section. I'm going to exclude their names for privacy reasons. Feel free to leave your own as well.
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Member Comments Total Comments: 45
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Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:53 PM

That’s mildly uncomfortable...

Could that technically be assault?
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:54 PM

Sounds like workers comp might be applicable here.
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:55 PM

Very well handled Jeremy! I have a feeling that we will be seeing that clip repurposed on outtake shows for the next several decades.

You should track that guy down and go to his workplace to give him a big sloppy wet kiss on the cheek. Although, there might be a real possibility that he has no workplace, in which case you would need to go to his bar or one of the many restaurants he obviously frequents. The best place to start the search would be anyplace that serves a 24 hour all you can eat buffet that includes lots of beer battered items.
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:55 PM

At least Ponce got kissed by a girl!
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:56 PM

That is so disgusting!! What a man does as sacrifice for his job!!
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:56 PM

nice j-ro.
hahahaha!
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:56 PM

yuk
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:57 PM

This is the kind of thing you should save for posterity. One day, the grandkids will love it!
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:57 PM

That was incredible. You never know what you’re going to get @ the fest!
Jeremy_Ross read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 9:58 PM

That’s awesome!!!! That was the funniest thing I’ve seen a long time. And you handled it so well! Very good reaction – it couldn’t have been better.
F0x6Fan read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 11:10 PM

Be glad he didn't slip you the tongue!--JK
F0x6Fan read my blog view my photos
Jul 5, 2008 | 11:10 PM

Be glad he didn't slip you the tongue!--JK
wfbdoglover read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 12:09 AM

Gotta hand it to you. I don't know what I would do if someone came up behind me and put their arm around my neck.

Work or not, this is violation of your personal space. I agree it needs to stop, although I wasn't aware of this happening to anyone else.

I'm glad nothing serious happened to you.
ifilus read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 2:20 AM

Obviously, the drunken slob who kissed your face crossed the line when he made physical contact. And you handled it well, all things considered.

That said; your comparison to the invasion of a private workplace is patently ridiculous. In no way is this situation equivalent to someone “jumping into (my) cubicle while (I’m) finishing (my) spreadsheet, TPS Report or business calls…”

You choose to report from a very public location, knowing full well the inherent risks. Summerfest is not your office or your studio, and setting up a live shot there does not automatically transform it into your exclusive domain -- nor does your presence afford you or your station any control whatsoever over the surrounding environment.

You might not like it, but people have every right to behave as obnoxiously as they wish within view of your camera when it is in a public location -- and you really have no cause to complain when they inevitably do.
desertwindrider read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 8:30 AM

Great job of maintaining your composure given the inappropriate situation.

Remember that Summerfest is in Milwaukee and Milwaukee people no longer have any idea what is proper behavior and what is not. So while you are out there in public in Milwaukee, you may have to anticipate behavior that is unexpected and totally off the wall. It comes with the territory.
Katbird read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 8:46 AM

Ohhh...please. This could have happened in any city when the situation involves alcohol, warm weather and music.
What ifilus said is quite true. Look at what happens when you report from a Brewers or Packers game. While I was at Summerfest I was hugged and danced with a complete stranger. That's the atmosphere. I am sure the man meant no harm. He was just celebrating.
I found your story to be very important, Jeremy. As someone opposed to the use of video games as promotion for real life killing I agreed with what those people were complaining about. It's well known that the government keeps an eye on XBox 360 war games. Especially those created by Tom Clancy. My son has even had an Army recruiter, or at least that's how he identified himself, try to chat with him during online play.
F0x6Fan read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 9:37 AM

Ifilus is right on this. If i was a reporter out in public at Summerfest, i would have a bodyguard or security guard by my side. There is some straight up Lunatics roaming around down there. When you mix in booze and possible drug use, you just don't know what might happen.

Nice comment iffy.
F0x6Fan read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 9:56 AM

I wonder if Jeremy had've been kissed by a hot babe if he would've complained at all.

Just Kidding JR.
Only1Antoine read my blog
Jul 6, 2008 | 12:09 PM

Easy Fam. I'm going to tell you straight up "that wasn't cool at all" especially on LIVE TV. That was bogus.

It was funny for a good few seconds, but after you think about it, it's really not funny to the person who had the done to (meaning you) and I know if that had happened to me )and if any other person had that happen to them), there is just going to be an all day or all night long A*S Whuppin' No Matter What.

That is something I DO NOT and WILL NOT tolerate from no drunk man to do that to another guy (who is very sober) who is trying to do his job and get paid or just relax and have a good time with his people and by his people I mean his friends.

But luckily, you didn't have to whup any A*S because you have a much more professional career of a job you're in and even though that was almost as bad as the "Dancing Jackass in Cowboy Boots" from last years doozie, you are someone who knows how to just stick to yourself and let certain things go and worry about you and not others on the side of you or behind you and that's being a man and you are THE MAN.

And I would have to make a comment on the kissed by a Fine Female thing: You probably would've been cool if it was a female with no problem or no hesitation. Who Knows? Or Wouldn't You?

But Anyways Man, Just chill and be easy and play some video games or something. It's overwith now and you ain't gotta deal with it no more.
Katbird read my blog view my photos
Jul 6, 2008 | 12:43 PM

If Brad can look at boobs then Jeremy can handle a kiss...lol.


Just kidding guys!!!
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Jeremy_Ross

With a jump across Lake Michigan, Jeremy Ross landed in Milwaukee and it's a leap he's happy to make. Jeremy joined FOX 6 in December of 2005 moving from Michigan to Wisconsin. He worked for the NBC and FOX affiliates in Lansing, MI where he won top honors by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Jeremy received multiple awards from the Michigan Associated Press, including two consecutive years of first place awards in breaking news, feature reporting and investigative journalism. In 2001, Jeremy worked in Washington D.C. for the Medill News Service as a political correspondent including covering former presidential candidate John Kerry. He received his Masters in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and completed his undergraduate degree at The University of Michigan where he caught "the broadcasting bug." At U of M he was a play-by-play broadcaster for Michigan Hockey while working at the student cable and radio stations. Besides news, Jeremy helped write, produce and perform improv comedy in The Second City Conservatory when he lived in Chicago. Crazy broadcast situations he's been involved in: 1) Jeremy helped cover two Michigan State University basketball riots. He's still not used to the less-than-pleasant smell of pepper spray. 2) While doing a live shot he's been tackled (without a referee around, however, no penalty flag was thrown.) But, seriously...if you're reading this please don't do that...reporters don't wear football pads. 3) Jeremy's locked himself in a radio studio in order to keep broadcasting the 1996 NCAA championship hockey game. The game went into overtime and into the next show's timeslot. The next D.J. threatened to have him arrested, fortunately U of M won and Jeremy served no jail time.

Member Since: 8/24/2006


 

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