I work on TV and when I'm on the air, everything I say is an ad lib. Yes, the anchors and sports reporters read most of their copy, but for some reason the weather person has always been afforded this privilege.
Ad libbing can sometimes cause problems. I often speak with 'salty' language off the air and have to be careful I remember when I'm on.
My biggest ad lib problems have come when I've said something innocent and it turned out to have a second meaning. It is interesting, from my vantage point, to see the anchors biting their tongues, trying to keep from busting out laughing.
As it turns out, my ad lib problems put me in the same boat as Bill Clinton. Here's an email I got this afternoon from a friend.
Yesterday on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, which I am sure you never watch, he had an "exclusive" interview with former President Clinton, who talked about the Pope, his relationship with his new best friend, former President Bush and his health. When asked about this kind gesture offering former President Bush the only bed on the government jet when they were on the recent tour of Tsunami-affected countries, Clinton shrugged it off and said, "I can sleep anywhere." OUCH!
Mr. Clinton, I feel your pain.
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