Brokaw to Replace Russert

Will pinch-hit through election; Williams' performance today unconvincing

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Jun 22, 2008 2:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – NBC has anointed Tom Brokaw as Tim Russert's heir on "Meet the Press" through the 2008 election, the network announced today. "I feel right at home," said Brokaw, who has appeared on the public affairs show since the Watergate days. But Brian Williams—who took over NBC's Nightly News when Brokaw stepped down in 2004—was at the helm today, and he wasn't up to snuff, writes the Swamp's Jon Crewdson.

Russert—who had a rep for railing into politicians who changed their minds—would have lit into Obama for refusing to accept public campaign financing, and McCain for reneging on his promise to ban offshore oil drilling. But Williams' show bordered on the "soporific," writes Crewdson. Brokaw needs to step it up to keep audiences from flipping over to ABC's George Stephanopoulos.

Brian Williams watches a video which pays tribute to late moderator Tim Russert during a taping of "Meet the Press" at the NBC studios Sunday, June 22, 2008. . (Associated Press)

Brian Williams watches a video which pays tribute to late moderator Tim Russert during a taping of "Meet the Press" at the NBC studios Sunday, June 22, 2008. (Associated Press)

In this June 15, 2008, file photo, former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, talks with the media about former "Meet the Press" host, Tim Russert. (Associated Press)

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Brokaw to Replace Russert

Will pinch-hit through election; Williams' performance today unconvincing

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In His Encore, Brokaw Again a Heavy-Hitter for NBC

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Brokaw to Replace Russert

Will pinch-hit through election; Williams' performance today unconvincing

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NBC • ABC • Tim Russert • Brian Williams • George Stephanopoulos • Meet the Press • Tom Brokaw

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obama, Clinton Spar on Iran, Gas

Dems hit competing morning talk shows

Gregory Named to MTP Gig

White House correspondent had been frontrunner to succeed Russert

Post-Russert, NBC Should Remake Meet the Press

NBC seems set on finding a Russert clone, but that's a mistake: Brown

In His Encore, Brokaw Again a Heavy-Hitter for NBC

Russert's fill-in has played diplomat between NBC, McCain

Subdued Meet the Press Now Squirm-Free

Post-Russert, newly laid-back show doesn't challenge guests

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?