Tom Brokaw To Fill In At Meet The Press
by Matt at Jun 22nd, 2008
According to the Associated Press, Tom Brokaw will moderate NBC’s ‘Meet The Press’ through the November elections.
Veteran news anchor Tom Brokaw will moderate NBC’s “Meet the Press” through the November election in the place of the late Tim Russert, the network announced Sunday.
Brokaw is scheduled to start on June 29. He had filled in on the program for the Sunday following Russert’s death of a heart attack on June 13.
NBC News President Steve Capus said the show will continue to be produced in Washington.
“To have someone of Tom’s stature step up and dedicate himself to ensuring its ongoing success is not only a testament to his loyalty to Tim, but his enduring commitment to NBC News and our viewers,” Capus said.
Nothing was immediately said about who would anchor the broadcast after the election or whether Brokaw, 68, would be interested in continuing beyond that. He wouldn’t be the oldest man on the Sunday morning beat — CBS’ “Face the Nation” host Bob Schieffer is 71.
The filling of Tim Russert’s shoes is certainly a big challenge for NBC, and while Tom Brokaw is only slated to fill in through the elections, I would expect his place as moderator at Meet The Press will become permanent. He certainly would be a better replacement than the following names that have been floated.
David Gregory, Andrea Mitchell and Chris Matthews had been talked about as potential candidates for the full-time job as moderator. If Brokaw weren’t interested in continuing, his tenure would allow NBC more time to study a potential selection and have that person debut during a less intense news period.
All three of them would damage the integrity and reputation of ‘Meet The Press.’ In the wake of Tim Russert’s passing, one of the most common compliments Tim Russert got regarding his tenure at ‘Meet The Press’ was his ability to be tough and objective.
Objective is hardly a word to describe David Gregory, Andrea Mitchell or Chris Matthews. I’d hate to see ‘Meet The Press’ become another mouthpiece for the Democratic Party.
Matt,
I agree wholeheartedly about MTP not being a mouthpiece for the DNC. Although, for NBC’s sake, I hope that Brokaw’s reign truly is only through the election. They need some young blood. I like Brian Williams, but he seems to already be working 80 hours a week. Maybe between now and January, NBC could cultivate some young talent to take over for Brokaw after the inauguration.
No matter what, it won’t be the same. I just hope they make the best possible choice they can to maintain the integrity of the program.
So, you think you’re going to get ‘objective’ questioning on MTP with Tom Brokaw moderating? For those who have voiced a concern for a democratic leaning voice, fear not. Maybe you are too young or not active enough to remember but Brokaw has always worn his conservatism on his sleeve. I have yet to hear him come even close to uttering a negative observation about John McCain, a member of one of Brokaw’s chosen generation which he venerates ad nauseum. Please, no offense to that generation. Neo-cons and Bush/McCain supporters are in for a real treat. Brokaw makes little attempt to control his disdain for Barack Obama. Watch out for his not so subtle code words: unique, different, exotic, etc. This appointment is such a disappointment for we true Russert devotees. Just fairly assess Brokaw in the weeks to come and appraise his performance honestly. I think you will see my concern as it is such a critical election season. Thank you.