Brian Williams is temp replacement for Russert on 'Meet the Press' on Sunday
NEW YORK — NBC executives decided today that “NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams will host “Meet the Press” this Sunday as the network ponders a permanent replacement for moderator Tim Russert.
After nearly a week of mourning the loss of Russert, who died of a heart attack on June 13 in NBC’s Washington bureau, the grief-stricken network news division began to focus on the difficult task of identifying his successor.
Aside from Russert’s role as the host of the most-watched Sunday political talk show, the 58-year-old served as NBC’s Washington bureau chief and the network’s go-to analyst of this year’s presidential campaign.
UPDATE:
In an interview this afternoon, NBC News President Steve Capus said he has not made any decisions about who will step in for Russert on “Meet the Press” beyond this week, much less how to fill the other roles he played at the network.
“Tim is truly irreplaceable, and there’s no single person who can step in and do all this,” Capus said. “So we have a considerable list of roles that need to be filled. We’re just going to take them one at a time.”
Sens. Lindsey Graham and Joe Biden, who were scheduled to be interviewed by Russert on “Meet the Press” last weekend, will be Williams’ guests on Sunday. It’s unclear who will host the program on June 29.
“Right now, we’re looking at it week by week,” Capus said. “Brian is enormously talented, and it seemed like a logical place to turn for this weekend. But I haven’t been able think beyond that.”
In the days since his death, the question of who will inherit Russert’s moderator chair has been the subject of intense speculation in the television industry.
NBC News Chief White House Correspondent David Gregory, PBS’ Gwen Ifill and MSNBC’s Chris Matthews are considered contenders. NBC Political Director Chuck Todd is also viewed as a possible pick.
At Russert’s memorial service in Washington on Wednesday, longtime anchor Tom Brokaw made a passing reference to the chatter, saying that Russert would have been impressed by the audience assembled in the Kennedy Center, which included “the powerful, the ordinary, and the largest contingent of all in this room, those who think that they should be his successor on ‘Meet the Press.’ ”
In the interview today, Capus noted Russert’s outsized role in the news division, saying, “I don’t think you can go long without having someone step in and take on those responsibilities.”
But he said he has not figured out how long it will take to settle on Russert's successor.
“Tim had a 12-year contract, and we always thought that that’s one area we wouldn’t have to think about for a long, long time,” the news president said. “Just even trying to fathom it and come to a decision point –- it’s impossible to switch gears and begin doing that. It’s just too daunting and too overwhelming.”
Still, Capus acknowledged that “our friend would have wanted us to get on with it, and we will.”
On Friday, Russert’s colleagues in Washington will gather outside the bureau to raise the flag back up from half mast, where it has hung since his death.
“We believe that it’s a sign that it’s time to let the mourning give way to going forward,” Capus said.
-- Matea Gold
Rachel Maddow is smart and I think she would do a good job. Usually she's a guest but if she is hosting, it would be a different ball game. Chris Matthews is too confrontational and he would not be a good replacement. Gwen Ifiel, Charlie Rose would be excellent... very well rounded and does great interviews, but Chuck Todd would be a good choice too. No Andrea Mitchell or Matt Laurer, that's for sure.
Posted by: Dew | June 19, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Two words: Gwen Ifill.
Posted by: Me | June 19, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I'd be really surprised if it's not Matthews. I think Rachel Maddow would be good, but I'd rather she get a nightly primetime spot. There's no need for David Gregory to host "Race for the White House."
Posted by: lowellfield | June 19, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Joe Scarborough.....politician, lawyer, history buff, smart and fair to both sides and comes from the 'red neck riviera' in pensacola......could talk to kings and the man on the street w/ equal grace and curiosity.
Posted by: Freckles | June 19, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Don't even think you will get someone to replace Tim Russert. Actually the best person to get for the job would be to go to CNN and get JOHN KING. He's very, very thorough, very likable, and reports the facts.
Posted by: Barb Valencour | June 20, 2008 at 06:53 AM
Don't even think you will get someone to replace Tim Russert. Actually the best person to get for the job would be to go to CNN and get JOHN KING. He's very, very thorough, very likable, and reports the facts.
Posted by: Barb Valencour | June 20, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Keith Olberman. If he could be convinced to tone it down a bit, he seems to have the intelligence and ability to do the homework necessary to be successful. A bit sanctimonious at times but we don't know how much of that is affected.
Posted by: Hayduke | June 20, 2008 at 07:41 AM
No one can or will ever hold a candle to Russert! His passing is a loss not only to MTP, but to the entire country! Tim was the last of the GREAT journalists...replete with integrity, morality, ethics, honesty, and a lifetime of PREPARATION! Tim was disciplined, humorous, and possessed a joie de vive that was contageous. Tim was a national treasure...irreplacebalbe!!! Meet the Press should be shelved...the thought of a Chris Matthews, David Gregory, Scarborough...or ANY of the current 'infotainment' entertainers do not possess ANY of Tim's qualities! There will never be any more 'honesty in reporting' again...MSM is so incredibly biased and left of liberal...I will not be part of this farce. I will NEVER watch MTP again!
Posted by: Alice B. | June 20, 2008 at 07:51 AM
I am in agreement with everyone who thinks the job should not go to some who will let their personalities and egos get in the way of engaging in dialog with the guest.
Posted by: Big Sam | June 20, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Brian Williams, Matt Lauer, are you really kidding me? These are the people that are causing
journalism to suffer today, lacking in any real knowledge or intelligence to not only just read a prompter, but also to put events into context. I saw Williams and Brokaw on the same primary election coverage and Brokaw made Williams seem like he was reporting high school news. And Lauer, like Katie Couric, should stick to the mindless feel-good boring morning programs. Gwen Ifilll would be a great choice, but corporate media cares little for insightful discussions and newscasting, unless its about themselves. If you really want news stick to Talkling Points Memo or other such intelligent blog reporting sites, or you coulod just be one of the other millions of mindless americans spoon-fed their daily dose of garbage.
Posted by: Craig | June 20, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Would it be a possibility to put in somebody a little older (maybe that would last for 10 years or so) and in the meantime start working Luke Russert into the system. By the time the new guy/gal would retire, Luke Russert would have more knowledge in politics and would be able to carry on his dad's legacy. They do have many similarities and it would be a huge marketing advantage..especially if he is good at the job.
Posted by: Jeffrey | June 20, 2008 at 05:58 PM
I can't imagine the show keeping its dignity and stature with anyone but Gwen Ifill in that chair.
Posted by: Theresa | June 20, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I THINK LUKE RUSSERT SHOULD BE CHOSEN FOR MEET THE PRESS.
Posted by: dee | June 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM
You want someone who is percieved as somewhat neutral like Russert was. That eliminates, Chris Mathews, Keith Olberman right off the bat. Gwen Ifill is a great pick, but here's a dark horse, that may not be able to get out of a contract, Campbell Brown. I bet she's kicking herself now, for leaving NBC. She's not my favorite, but has gotten better as time has gone along and is very ambitious. Another one who I like, but has not been mentioned is Jay Carney. He is young enough and seems like a type A peronality. The bottom line there has to be a genuwine (sp) personality, that does well under pressure and does well on TV that people can believe--all traits Tim had. How do you replace Tim, it seems almost impossible. Who ever gets the job, won't be able to succeed in a way that Tim did--but might be able to in another way. Go Get em!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: nils | June 21, 2008 at 07:11 PM
JONATHAN ALTER!!
Posted by: SvK | June 21, 2008 at 08:11 PM
KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY! Make the program with a longime news anchor and Luke. NO PERSON IN THIS UNIVERSE HAS THE SAME IDEAL. There is no two Bears alike.Everyone is different. Tim Russert mention quite often that he would love to see his only son take over. That was his dream. SO MSNBC HATS OFF FOR LUKE.!
Posted by: Becky | June 26, 2008 at 10:42 AM
We really miss Brian Williams on teh Evening News. Ann is no replacement for Brian.
I hope the powers to be will find someone that will be well versed and a VERY GOOD LISTENER. I have turned off many news interviewers because they ask a question and before i can be answered they are butting in and giving their own opinion. Ann tends to be alot like that.
Thanks and KEEP BRIAN
Posted by: Bill Hancy / Texas | July 23, 2008 at 08:24 AM