Seraphim
06-09-2004, 09:10 PM
LOS ANGELES (*******) - Suddenly, John Wayne (news) isn't trendy anymore.
A politician in Southern California's Orange County has suggested that the community's John Wayne Airport might be a more appealing destination for travelers and a better emblem of the region if it had a name that traded on a popular TV show: "The O.C. Airport."
"The O.C.," a drama about the lives and loves of some oversexed teenagers in the affluent, conservative region south of Los Angeles, became a breakout hit for broadcaster Fox this season.
Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby raised the idea before his colleagues of changing the name of the airport on Tuesday night. Though Norby has no problem with the rugged actor Wayne, after whom the airport was renamed in 1979, a spokeswoman for him said he would like to capitalize on growing recognition for the county, thanks to the TV show.
A Fox spokesman called his proposal "flattering."
Not everyone in the community is so enthusiastic about the idea, though, especially those in the City of Santa Ana, where the airport is located. The editor of CityLine, the bimonthly publication of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce (news - web sites), called Norby's idea "ridiculous.
"TV shows come and go. We could call it the 'American Idol' Airport," editor Karen Anderson said. "I think they should just leave well enough alone."
Ironically, "The O.C." is actually filmed in various cities in neighboring Los Angeles County.
In 1950, the town of Hot Springs, New Mexico. which was looking for a way to stand out from other small towns, changed its name to "Truth or Consequences," a then popular TV show. (With additional reporting by Steve Gorman)
A politician in Southern California's Orange County has suggested that the community's John Wayne Airport might be a more appealing destination for travelers and a better emblem of the region if it had a name that traded on a popular TV show: "The O.C. Airport."
"The O.C.," a drama about the lives and loves of some oversexed teenagers in the affluent, conservative region south of Los Angeles, became a breakout hit for broadcaster Fox this season.
Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby raised the idea before his colleagues of changing the name of the airport on Tuesday night. Though Norby has no problem with the rugged actor Wayne, after whom the airport was renamed in 1979, a spokeswoman for him said he would like to capitalize on growing recognition for the county, thanks to the TV show.
A Fox spokesman called his proposal "flattering."
Not everyone in the community is so enthusiastic about the idea, though, especially those in the City of Santa Ana, where the airport is located. The editor of CityLine, the bimonthly publication of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce (news - web sites), called Norby's idea "ridiculous.
"TV shows come and go. We could call it the 'American Idol' Airport," editor Karen Anderson said. "I think they should just leave well enough alone."
Ironically, "The O.C." is actually filmed in various cities in neighboring Los Angeles County.
In 1950, the town of Hot Springs, New Mexico. which was looking for a way to stand out from other small towns, changed its name to "Truth or Consequences," a then popular TV show. (With additional reporting by Steve Gorman)