Brokaw To Host "Meet the Press" Through Election
Posted June 22nd, 2008 by Rich Heldenfels
Here's the official announcement from NBC today:
Beginning on Sunday, June 29, NBC News' Tom Brokaw will serve as moderator of "Meet the Press" through the 2008 presidential election. The broadcast will continue to originate from the NBC News Bureau in Washington D.C. The announcement was made today by NBC News President Steve Capus.
"A lot has been said in recent days about what 'Meet the Press' means to NBC News and to the nation," said Capus. "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."
"Some of my best memories from covering the last several presidential elections have included working closely with Tom, so I know just how lucky we are to have him step in as moderator for 'Meet the Press,'" said executive producer Betsy Fischer. "His intellect, focus and calming presence is exactly what we need to move forward smartly and remain the No. 1 public affairs show on television as we head into one of the most pivotal elections in our nation's history."
For his part, Brokaw said, "I've been appearing on 'Meet the Press' since the days of Watergate when it was moderated by Lawrence E. Spivak right through the distinguished tenure of my great friend, Tim Russert, so I feel right at home. Tim made 'Meet the Press' the center of the universe for informative and lively discussions of public affairs, particularly the exciting 2008 campaign for president, and I intend to continue that commitment to our viewers."
Betsy Fischer is the executive producer and Michelle Jaconi and Rebecca Samuels are the producers of "Meet the Press," which is seen on the NBC Television Network from 9-10 a.m. ET in most markets. In Washington D.C. and New York City, the broadcast is seen from 10:30-11:30 a.m. ET. Please check local listings or the "Meet the Press" website (www.mtp.msnbc.com) for television and radio broadcast times in your area.
This is an OK short-term move. In the long run, I think that Gwen Ifill would be a great moderator for the show.
June 22nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Its a move to buy time, IMO, and I'm completely okay with that. Brokaw will be able to fill the role quite well. Long term, I'm still not sure who they look at. I love Chuck Todd, but he probably isn't ready for the interview portion, although he's got the analysis portion down. Chris Matthews has the interview part, but he's too annoying and opinionated for the show. Ifill could be a decent choice, as could David Gregory, although I'm not sure that either is an interviewer that makes you watch.
June 23rd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I think of all the names I've seen, Gwen would be a good pick. Matthews is too acerbic at times, and I think Brian Williams is almost too personable for the post. I think Gwen would force the guests to bring their "A-game" like Tim used to.