Tim Russert, the host of "Meet the Press" and Washington bureau chief of NBC News, died today of a coronary embolism. He was 58.Russert was the steady hand that steered the ship of "Meet the Press" and helped make it into a hugely profitable show for the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) network. No other competitors even came close to matching it in the TV ratings.
As NBC News -- particularly MSNBC -- became the whipping boy of the GOP, Russert stood as a beacon of calm in an increasingly noisy media world. He earned the respect of people across the political spectrum for treating people in both political parties fairly. His show became must-see viewing for political junkies both inside and outside the beltway.
Unfortunately, the time for mourning for NBC News will be brief. The network brass has to find a replacement for Russert fast because the "Meet the Press" is a huge cash cow. Advertisers pay premium rates to reach the show's affluent audience. They are bound to worry about whether viewers will drift to "This Week with George Stephanopolous" or CBS Sunday Morning.
The network is going to have to choose its replacement carefully. Keith Olbermann, the popular MSNBC host, is too partisan. Correspondent David Gregory may be a good choice, as would Andrea Mitchell, the seasoned pro and wife of Alan Greenspan.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-13-2008 @ 6:08PM
sitruc said...
I'm not expecting a permanent replacement this week.
6-13-2008 @ 9:31PM
rspt said...
tim russert was as neutral as a broadcaster could be in these times of patisians networks. a person could count on mr. russert doing his homework and making all guests on meet the press squirm in their seats not knowing that their past comments and actions were scrutinized to the beginning of their public service. my wish is that the person who follows in this giant footsteps will be as hard working and intelligent as mr. russert. God bless russ and his family he will be missed.
6-13-2008 @ 10:16PM
julita bentz said...
My heartfilled sympathy for the family and friends of Tim Russert. His intergirty and believe in people will be missed. As a African American woman, I felt his heartfelt eagerness when O'bama gave his speech I will always remember him saying; "I wished that I can be a History teacher teaching History." I felt his authenticty and his passion for changing the world. Those profound words made liken to heroes like Dr. King and Gundi. He will go down in history as a true humanitarian.
6-13-2008 @ 11:00PM
john said...
I liked Tim. I like Katy Kay from the BBC as a replacement.
6-14-2008 @ 11:58PM
v sharpe said...
Tim Russet was the leader I always listened to to get the truth, get his insights and his objectivity. He was brilliant in his leadership at NBC. I will truly miss him and I will keep him in my heart for a long time. God bless his family. Thank you, Tim.
6-14-2008 @ 11:58PM
Raymond Barcelos said...
Tim Russert was the only Political interviewer I liked. He was fair and not overbearing. He was able to get politicans to think when they came on his show. He was genuine in an age where that is truly rare.
May he rest in peace.
6-15-2008 @ 10:05AM
Bill said...
Word also has it that Arron Brown might be an excellent choice
6-16-2008 @ 8:52AM
Peter said...
Aaron Brown will be a interesting replacement but his constant smirking is a turn off. Katie Couric will be nice and she is so perky. But whats with the replacement show today with 2 plagiarists. Doris Goodwin and Joe Six Pack Barnicle. And the boring Tom Brokaw. What a lousy show!
6-16-2008 @ 8:53AM
Steve said...
Heard ARRON BROWN might be a great candidate
6-16-2008 @ 9:41AM
Bob said...
Andrea Mitchell or Dick Gregory?
Only if NBC would be happy in distant 3rd place.