Tim Russert, one of the most powerful news executives in television who headlined what is arguably one of the industry's most powerful and influential programs - "Meet the Press" - has died. NBC News has broken into regular programming and is right at this moment airing tributes on MSNBC. "Our friend was 58 years old," says Brian Williams. "We cannot believe that he's gone," said Tom Brokaw, his voice breaking.
Buffalo-born and intimately associated with that city and its Bills, which he loved, Russert was first a politician before he was a journalist - counsel to Governor Mario Cuomo in 1983 to 1984 and chief of staff to Democratic Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan from 1977 to 1982. He went to NBC in '84 and later became Washington bureau chief. Over those years, Russert was a storied figure at NBC - he was considered a shrewd inside operator, but also probably one of the most effective news executives at NBC over the last twenty years. He was hugely respected there - as legendary a figure as a suit could be - and feared as well. He ran the Washington bureau - reputedly - as his own separate fiefdom from New York headquarters, which was fine with the big staff there - wary of New York interference and thanks to Russert, it became a singularly powerful news organization in its own right. While CBS News' Washington presence declined, NBC's influence grew - again, all thanks to Russert, who became a genuine Beltway power-broker as a result.
But here was Russert's greatest contribution: He re-created and revivified "Meet the Press," which had grown tired and moribund, and that was reflected in ratings. By the time he got there, the once mighty "Press" had sunk to third place, while the hot Sunday morning show was over on LaSalle Avenue at ABC - where David Brinkley, Cokie Roberts and Sam Donaldson held forth. Russert brought a unique style to "Press" - aggressive and comprehensive. He would ask a question, and then - just so the subject of his inquisition didn't wiggle away - he'd throw up a quote from a newspaper article on the screen, which would either offer support to his question, or force the senator or congressman or what-have-you to address the fact on screen.
Before long, "Press" was considered sport TV as much as informational TV - a Sunday destination where spin-meisters would meet a brick wall thrown up by Russert. "There was nothing more chilling than watching Tim walk in with those two thick folders under his arm," said David Axelrod - Barack Obama's chief media strategist on CNN a little while ago. "You always spent a little extra time preparing for him. You knew your candidate was going to be put through the paces on that show," who added: "He also gave you a chance to answer. He was tough but he was fair."
But maybe Russert's most indelible moment was during the Florida primaries - one of the longest nights in TV news history, or - let's say - one of the most sweat-inducing. Through that night, Russert - and through many other nights leading up to the historic primary - Russert scribbled figures on a chalk board, in which he tabulated delegates or votes; that night, he scribbled "Florida, Florida, Florida," meaning this was the state where an election, and history, were about to be made. It was one of the most prescient and dramatic moments of the 2000 race.
There's a lot lot more to say, but here's a personal note: I just got off the phone with chief Pentagon correspondent, Jim Miklaszewski: "Everybody is just devastated," he said. "As hardbitten as we all are, we can't talk to each other without breaking down. This is a huge personal loss to everyone at NBC. He was the real deal."
Here are some other quotes that came over the transom:
"This is a loss for the entire nation," said Steve Capus, NBC News president. Everyone at NBC News is in shock and absolutely devastated. He was our respected colleague, mentor, and dear friend. Words can not express our heartbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen,
Luke, Big Russ and all of Tim’s family. "
"We are heartbroken at the sudden passing of Tim Russert," said NBCUNI boss, Steve Capus. "We have lost a beloved member of our NBC Universal family and the news world has lost one of its finest. The enormity of this loss cannot be overstated. More than a journalist,
Tim was a remarkable family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife,
Maureen, their son, Luke, and Tim’s entire extended family."
.
Comments (16)
Tim was like part our family. We never missed a Sunday with Tim...we will miss his steady wisdom, his sincerety and good heart.. May God Bless his family.
What a loss. He was a man of integrity that was admired by all. I just can't imagine going through the election in the fall without his thoughts and wisdom. My prayers go out to Maureen and Luke and although they will not have him for Father's Day, I'm so glad they have their trip to Italy to remember
Kim Komando introduced herself to him at a broadcasters meeting and he was too self-important to even acknowledge her. But it's a shame he is gone.
Tim was who I learned to enjoy politics with, without him things will not be the same. I missed very few of his Sunday broadcasts. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time of need.
I will really miss him. I really looked forward to his show, and felt him to be always genuinely trying to shed light on the issues. god bless him and his family.
Kurt, What a self-centered way to bash someone who may not have received an introduction the way you thought he should have. Tim Russert lost his life today and you use this forum to bring attention to whom (Kim Komando)? Get a life.
Laurie, I agree with you. Kurt (or should I spell that "Curt"?) is a heartless excuse for a human. God Bless the Russert family at this very sad time.
Sue
Who the h#ll is Kim Komando and who cares.
Whenever Tim took the stage you could be sure of one thing; straight truth, no ego games, no trying to be a star personality. Whatever his politics he brought the even handed standard of honesty, decency, that only the great ones in news broadcasting possessed. It's a huge loss, he's irreplaceable, he was about the only person in a troubled news media, with all its biased phonies, you could believe in. He was simply a good guy.
I live in ireland and CBS news is aired each night on sky news and i just heard that he died. I have never heard of tim but its a shock that someone so young could die suddenly.I lost a relative suddenly at the same age and i wish to sympathise with his family and wil keep them in my prayers
I heard a ridiculous HRC supporter in the office today remark "Serves him right for being mean to Hillary!" You could have heard a pin drop!
I almost vomitted!!
This man was important to us ALL! We will truly miss this fella. He'lll always be well-respected in my eyes!
Rest In Peace, Tim. You were/are a good guy.
We will never see the likes of Tim Russert again. He was a true individual that carried respect for all.
He came from a poor working class family, his father worked two to three jobs to support his family. He never forgot his roots and where he came from. In fact, he was proud of it. He was a devout catholic and always went to church. He met an old nun recently that used to teach him in school. He took the time out to show her around the studio, he made her feel as important as he was there (know doubt to him she was).
When I heard of his death today I couldn't contain my tears. To think we will never see him again on "Meet The Press" or doing another interview brings me great sadness.
We will miss you Tim Russert may you rest in peace.
Deepest sympathy to the Russert family. our prayers are with you.
Kim Komando (born July 1, 1967) is the host of an American talk radio program based on the popularity of personal computers, the use of the Internet, and the complexities of consumer electronics. The Kim Komando Show is broadcast and syndicated on over 450 radio stations in the U.S. and two stations in Ontario, Canada. According to a Talker's magazine report for the fall of 2006, Komando's weekend program has reached a weekly cume of 2.25 million.[1]
Komando has appeared on CNN, CBS, MSNBC, ABC, BBC and FOX News, and her syndicated columns appear in USA Today and other newspapers. Komando is also one of the principal shareholders, founders and Chairman/CEO of the Phoenix, Arizona-based WestStar TalkRadio Network, which, in addition to hosting other broadcast programs, distributes the Komando radio programs. Also, through the publishing arm of WestStar, Komando publishes daily and weekly email newsletters addressing issues topical to her radio program. Komando was the 2006 recipient of the Judy Jarvis Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Woman to Talk Radio.[2] In June 2007, Komando won a Gracie Award for Outstanding Program Host.
Komando refers to herself on her show as "America's Digital Goddess."[3][4] According to her show's website, "Komando" is her actual last name, and is Russian-Ukrainian.[5]
While I suspect that you are very young and obviously quite smitten by this Kim Komando woman, your remarks, Kurt, are highly inappropriate and your cut-and-paste of a Wikapedia biography of a minior radio talk show host are even less so. . . . Do you really suppose that anyone is very impressed? Freedom of the press is the most important of our freedoms. And aside from losing one of the few men of my own generation who I not only respected enormously and looked up to, we are all tonight a little less safe from those well-intentioned, 'self-important,' if not altogether unctuous individuals who have of late eroded our freedoms.
What a loss for Mr. Russert's family, friends, colleagues and all who looked forward and listened to his Sunday program. He threw a touchdown every time.
I am shocked, I just met Tim Russert three weeks ago in Washington , I am speechless at this tragedy and once again, shock and sadden. My sympathies are with his wife and son, who lost a whole lot more than the rest of us. God bless him and his family. America has lost a great man. His mind and soul was in America, and he was the most remarkable journalist in America. He will be missed.
Ramesh C. Manghirmalani,
I personally will miss Tim; I must confess I only knew about his professional life and watched “Meet the Press” faithfully but after his passing last Friday I found out what a Great man he was.
I was humbled by the Greatness of Tim Russert and his legacy--- the man, the father, the son, the journalist and of course the human being. We should all be as fortunate to come close to his legacy.
Greeks never wrote obituaries---they only asked one question---Did this person live life with Passion?
After watching and listening to all his colleagues it seems like Tim Russert live life with more Passion than most of us.
What a Great Man! The world was and is better because of men like Tim; I hope more journalists will follow his tenets of doing their job with the highest standards that Tim lived by.
I will deeply miss you Timmy Boy!