San Diego Talk-Show Host Mark Larson Shines at ‘Reagan’ Movie Premiere
Mark Larson, a well-known radio talk-show host from San Diego, recently had the opportunity to emcee the movie premiere of “Reagan” in Dixon, Illinois, the boyhood home of the late President Ronald Reagan. Larson, who has been hosting radio shows in San Diego since 1976, has emceed numerous events over the years, but he considers his role at the “Reagan” premiere to be one of the most memorable experiences of his career.
The premiere took place in Dixon, a small town with a population of 15,177, and was held at a historic 900-seat theater that opened its doors in 1922. The event drew a massive crowd, with 3,000 people on the waiting list hoping to get in. Larson described the town as full of hard-working patriots who displayed their love for country and the American spirit throughout the festivities.
Various events were held at locations in Dixon that were significant to Reagan’s life, including his boyhood home, his church, his school, and the YMCA where he learned to swim. Larson was hired as the emcee for the event by the Young America’s Foundation, which oversees the Reagan boyhood home in Dixon, as well as the Ronald Reagan birthplace in Tampico, Illinois, and the Reagan Ranch in Santa Barbara. Larson, a longtime member of the foundation’s Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, was honored to be a part of the special occasion.
During the premiere, Larson had the opportunity to interview several dignitaries, including Gov. Scott Walker, president of the foundation, Gov. George Allen, chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors, and Tim McCarthy, the U.S. Secret Service agent who was shot during the 1981 assassination attempt. However, the interview that garnered the most attention was with actor Dennis Quaid, who portrayed Reagan in the movie.
Larson praised Quaid for his portrayal of the 40th president, describing him as a natural fit for the role. Quaid’s genuine demeanor, sense of humor, and approachability impressed Larson, who commended the actor for taking the time to interact with fans and embrace the role of Reagan both on and off the screen.
The “Reagan” movie chronicles Reagan’s life from his childhood to his presidency, highlighting key moments such as his courtship of Nancy Reagan, his opposition to Soviet communism, and his transition from Hollywood actor to political figure. The film also delves into Reagan’s faith, integrity, and battle with Alzheimer’s disease, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most transformative presidents in American history.
Larson emphasized the accuracy of the movie’s depiction of Reagan, praising the film for showcasing the president’s role in winning the Cold War, promoting economic liberty, and upholding American values. Despite potential criticism from detractors, Larson believes that the movie’s portrayal of Reagan’s Christian faith is an essential aspect of his character and legacy.
As the “Reagan” movie continues to resonate with audiences nationwide, Larson reflects on his own experiences with the former president, including emceeing events attended by Reagan in San Diego in the late 1980s. Reagan’s humility, humor, and commitment to common sense left a lasting impression on Larson, reinforcing his admiration for the iconic leader.
In addition to his radio hosting duties, Larson serves as a political analyst on KUSI-TV and remains actively involved in promoting Reagan’s legacy through his work with the Young America’s Foundation. As the “Reagan” movie garners acclaim and sparks discussions about the president’s impact on American history, Larson’s role in the premiere serves as a testament to his dedication to preserving Reagan’s memory and values.
Anaheim Ducks Games to Air on KCOP-TV and Victory+
In other news, the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League have announced that all Ducks games during the upcoming 2024-2025 season will be televised for free on KTTV-TV Fox 11 Plus and Victory+, a new streaming TV network. This move marks a significant shift from previous broadcasting arrangements and aims to enhance accessibility for Ducks fans across various platforms.
Victory+, which will be launched this month, offers a free, advertising-supported streaming service that can be accessed on smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones. The collaboration between Victory+ and the Anaheim Ducks underscores a commitment to providing high-quality sports content to viewers while expanding the fan base and engagement opportunities for hockey enthusiasts.
The decision to broadcast Ducks games on KTTV-TV Fox 11 Plus and Victory+ reflects a strategic effort to reach a broader audience and connect with fans on a more accessible platform. By offering free over-the-air options for viewing games, the Ducks and their broadcasting partners aim to make hockey more inclusive and engaging for fans in the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with Victory+ and KTTV-TV Fox 11 Plus to bring Ducks games to fans across our television market,” said Aaron Teats, president of the Anaheim Ducks. “Our goal is to ensure that every fan in our region has the opportunity to watch Ducks games without cost and enjoy the excitement of NHL action on multiple platforms.”
Steve Carlson, senior VP and GM of KTTV-TV Fox 11 Plus, expressed his enthusiasm for broadcasting Ducks games and expanding the station’s sports coverage. By showcasing the Ducks on Fox 11 Plus, the station aims to amplify the team’s visibility and engage with viewers who are passionate about hockey and local sports content.
As the Ducks gear up for the upcoming season, the partnership with Victory+ and KTTV-TV Fox 11 Plus signals a new chapter in broadcasting for the team and a promising opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite players and follow the excitement of NHL games.
PRSA Seeks Entries for 2024 Bernays Awards
The Public Relations Society of America’s San Diego-Imperial Counties chapter is currently accepting entries for the 2024 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards program. This prestigious program recognizes outstanding achievements in public relations campaigns across various categories, including community relations, integrated communications, public affairs, and media relations.
With a final deadline of September 13, PR professionals and organizations are encouraged to submit their entries for consideration in the awards program. The Bernays Awards honor the legacy of Edward L. Bernays, a pioneer in the field of public relations who revolutionized communications strategies and tactics in the 1920s.
In addition to Bronze and Silver awards for public relations campaigns, special accolades will be presented to individuals and teams who have demonstrated excellence in their work. The Deborah Baker PR Pro of the Year, Eva Irving Community Service Award, New PR Pro of the Year, and PR Team of the Year are among the special awards that will be bestowed upon deserving recipients.
The Bernays Awards serve as a platform for recognizing innovation, creativity, and effectiveness in public relations campaigns, highlighting the impact of strategic communications on shaping public perception and driving meaningful outcomes. By celebrating the achievements of PR professionals in the San Diego-Imperial Counties region, the awards program aims to inspire excellence and elevate the standards of practice within the industry.
As PRSA continues to champion excellence in public relations and honor the legacy of Edward L. Bernays, the 2024 Bernays Awards program promises to showcase the best and brightest talents in the field, recognizing their contributions to shaping narratives, building relationships, and driving positive change through strategic communications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Reagan” movie premiere in Dixon, Illinois, served as a poignant tribute to the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan, drawing attention to his enduring impact on American history. Mark Larson’s involvement in the premiere highlighted the significance of Reagan’s legacy and the enduring relevance of his values in today’s society.
As the Anaheim Ducks prepare to kick off their season with games airing on KCOP-TV and Victory+, fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of NHL action and engaging content that celebrates the spirit of hockey. The partnership between the Ducks, Victory+, and KTTV-TV Fox 11 Plus underscores a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, inviting fans to connect with the team and enjoy the thrill of live hockey broadcasts.
The PRSA’s call for entries for the 2024 Bernays Awards provides an opportunity for PR professionals to showcase their best work and be recognized for their contributions to the field. By honoring excellence in public relations campaigns and highlighting the impact of strategic communications, the Bernays Awards program reaffirms the importance of effective storytelling, relationship-building, and reputation management in today’s dynamic media landscape.
Overall, these developments in the worlds of entertainment, sports, and public relations underscore the enduring influence of storytelling, engagement, and creativity in shaping narratives, building connections, and driving meaningful outcomes. As we continue to celebrate excellence and innovation in these fields, we honor the visionaries, trailblazers, and thought leaders who inspire us to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and strive for excellence in all that we do.