Brokaw to take moderators chair through November election

                               

Breaking News: Former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw will become moderator of Meet the Press through the election season. The announcement was made today in a press release by NBC News, as well as on this mornings broadcast of the show, which was moderated by Brian Williams. Brokaw hosted a special tribute show of Meet the Press last Sunday, a few days after the sudden death of Tim Russert to a heart attack.  

Brokaw will begin next Sunday, June 29th. Brian Williams mentioned that he will be there in the coming months a few times, so this means Brokaw will be there for most of the times. However, NBC will probably be testing out new moderators in the coming months. It makes you wonder if in the coming months will they have the main moderator, with an extra questioner.

Tom Brokaw retired in 2004 from his Nightly News chair, now manned by Brian Williams. He held the post for 20 years, while there he was the top rated anchor for numerous years. Brokaw along with Tim Russert led NBC News to being the top network news network. Brokaw has appeared on Meet the Press since the 1970s. He has moderated the show multiple times, as well as been a questioner.

The show will continue to be taped in at the NBC News Washington, D.C. bureau studio, as well as being produced by executive producer Betsy Fischer.

The press release is below:

TOM BROKAW TO SERVE AS MODERATOR OF "MEET THE PRESS" THROUGH 2008 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

(New York) - June 22, 2008 - 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.

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