Tim Russert, NBC journalist and political heavyweight host of "Meet the Press," has died after collapsing at NBC's Washington news bureau, a source said. He was 58 years old.
Russert, who rose from the inside world of politics where he was former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo's press secretary and one-time chief of staff to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, was able to successfully cross over to political journalism and rise to become one of its leading lights.
In his role as host of the seminal Sunday morning political program "Meet the Press" - which he took over in 1991 - he became renowned for his hard-nosed interviews where he frequently cornered some of Washington's cagiest political figures with tough questions.
Russert joined NBC News in 1984. In April 1985, he supervised the live broadcasts of the Today program from Rome, negotiating and arranging an appearance by Pope John Paul II - a first for American television. In 1986 and 1987 Russert led NBC News weeklong broadcasts from South America, Australia and China.
Russert, who rose from the inside world of politics where he was former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo's press secretary and one-time chief of staff to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, was able to successfully cross over to political journalism and rise to become one of its leading lights.
In his role as host of the seminal Sunday morning political program "Meet the Press" - which he took over in 1991 - he became renowned for his hard-nosed interviews where he frequently cornered some of Washington's cagiest political figures with tough questions.
Russert joined NBC News in 1984. In April 1985, he supervised the live broadcasts of the Today program from Rome, negotiating and arranging an appearance by Pope John Paul II - a first for American television. In 1986 and 1987 Russert led NBC News weeklong broadcasts from South America, Australia and China.
By CHARLES HURT
Tim Russert
Tim Russert
June 13, 2008 --
Updated at 3:36 p.m.
Tim Russert, NBC journalist and political heavyweight host of "Meet the Press," has died after collapsing at NBC's Washington news bureau, a source said. He was 58 years old.
Russert, who rose from the inside world of politics where he was former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo's press secretary and one-time chief of staff to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, was able to successfully cross over to political journalism and rise to become one of its leading lights.
In his role as host of the seminal Sunday morning political program "Meet the Press" - which he took over in 1991 - he became renowned for his hard-nosed interviews where he frequently cornered some of Washington's cagiest political figures with tough questions.
Russert joined NBC News in 1984. In April 1985, he supervised the live broadcasts of the Today program from Rome, negotiating and arranging an appearance by Pope John Paul II - a first for American television. In 1986 and 1987 Russert led NBC News weeklong broadcasts from South America, Australia and China.
In 2008, Time Magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people.
Tim Russert
Tim Russert
June 13, 2008 --
Updated at 3:36 p.m.
Tim Russert, NBC journalist and political heavyweight host of "Meet the Press," has died after collapsing at NBC's Washington news bureau, a source said. He was 58 years old.
Russert, who rose from the inside world of politics where he was former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo's press secretary and one-time chief of staff to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, was able to successfully cross over to political journalism and rise to become one of its leading lights.
In his role as host of the seminal Sunday morning political program "Meet the Press" - which he took over in 1991 - he became renowned for his hard-nosed interviews where he frequently cornered some of Washington's cagiest political figures with tough questions.
Russert joined NBC News in 1984. In April 1985, he supervised the live broadcasts of the Today program from Rome, negotiating and arranging an appearance by Pope John Paul II - a first for American television. In 1986 and 1987 Russert led NBC News weeklong broadcasts from South America, Australia and China.
In 2008, Time Magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people.
Very sorry to hear this.
Tim Russert Always with a smile on his face but a with a mind sharp as a tack and IMO always fair to both sides when discussing a topic..
Russert grew up loving sports and politics.
I will miss the Tim Russert I know as a fan and TV follower.
His recent book "Big Russ and Me" is a wonderful memoir of a relationship between a father/son growing up together in America. If you have a son or you're dad is close to you be sure to check it out.
Tim Russert was born in Buffalo, NY to a working class family and did the entire family proud.
Tim Russert RIP.
Tim Russert Always with a smile on his face but a with a mind sharp as a tack and IMO always fair to both sides when discussing a topic..
Russert grew up loving sports and politics.
I will miss the Tim Russert I know as a fan and TV follower.
His recent book "Big Russ and Me" is a wonderful memoir of a relationship between a father/son growing up together in America. If you have a son or you're dad is close to you be sure to check it out.
Tim Russert was born in Buffalo, NY to a working class family and did the entire family proud.
Tim Russert RIP.
I've heard that it is an apparent heart attack and that is very unfortunate. I heard him often on Imus's show and always enjoyed his opinions. Of all the newsidiots on TV, he certainly seemed like the most enthusiastic and I applaud anyone who has passion for what they do.
He will be missed.
He will be missed.
Beyond being a polished, experienced mainstream media pro, Russert had the 'people' gift of civility and respectfulness while asking sharp fair questions, which was especially important over the last eight years. Parallel to sad passing of Mckay, they both projected an optimism and enthusiastic humility that focused on the stories rather than themselves. Very sad news.
I just heard of his death on the news...Really a shame to die that young..I like Russert because it didn't matter if there were Republicans or Democrats on his show Meet The Press, Russert never held back the tough questions in his interviews..He's also one of the few people on TV that I felt was your normal everyday average guy who unlike much of the other media talking heads, always felt like he was giving us the straight story..He was today's version of Edward R. Morrow in the 50's..A straight shooter with a lot of honesty and integrity..I'm going to miss him.
