Saul wrote:

Radio Bob wrote:

I've been a reporter for a long, long time, and have conducted thousands of interviews.
These days, some younger reporter/anchor/hosts call distinguished guests by their first names -- and I don't mean in entertainment or sports interviews.  I've noticed it a lot lately.  
What prompted me finally writing this post is an interview I just saw.  The guest was an expert on Middle East issues and throughout the interview (probably 5-7 minutes), the host kept calling him "Eric".
I'm interested in hearing other people's opinions on this, and whether you think it's a lack of respect.

We're a much more informal society than in years past. People go to funerals, work, and other once-formal occasions / venues in blue jeans and sneakers, for instance. For better or for worse...

 
I agree that society is more informal than before, hey, people wear their pyjamas in public, informal and sloppy IMO! I think a little respect from reporters etc. towards their guests would be appreciated by all.

RadioActive wrote:

It's also possible they've had contact with the guest before the interview and were asked to call them by their first name. 

 
Good point!