NBC News Delayed Russert Announcement

91. NBC News and MSNBC
updated 57 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died Friday after suffering a heart attack at the bureau. He was 58.

Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” broadcast when he collapsed. He was rushed to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Russert’s physician, Michael Newman, said cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis.

Russert had earlier been diagnosed with asymptomatic coronary artery disease, but it was well-controlled with medication and exercise, and he had performed well on a stress test in late April, Newman said. An autopsy revealed that he also had an enlarged heart, Newman said.

Russert’s death left his colleagues devastated.

He was “one of the premier political journalists and analysts of his time,” Tom Brokaw, the former longtime anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” said in announcing Russert’s death Friday afternoon. Brian Williams, managing editor and anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” called his death a “staggering, overpowering and sudden loss.”

“Meet the Press,” which he began hosting in 1991, was considered an essential proving ground in the career of any national politician.

“If you could pass the Tim Russert test, you could do something in this field,” said Howard Fineman, senior Washington correspondent for Newsweek magazine and a columnist for msnbc.com.

I'll miss Mr Russert.

Posted at 10:29PM on Jun 13th 2008 by Robert

92.
THIS IS VERY SAD. WE HAVE LOST AN EXTREMELY SMART MAN. MY MOM DIED AT 58 OF CANCER. TOO YOUNG, SORRY FOR HIS FAMILY AND LIKE MY MOM WILL NEVER SEE GRANDCHILDREN. RIP.

Posted at 11:08PM on Jun 13th 2008 by newenglandrocks

93. To know that Tim died on the job doing something that he loved is remarkable. To know that each of us will one day depart this ife is a reality that no one can escape. To know that his loving wife and son hasd to receive this sad news while on vacation is very sad. But to kow that he dparted this life with dignity and high standards leaves a legacy that many might want to follow. We pray that Tim's life will always be in the memory of those whose lives were touched by his living.

massachsetts

Posted at 12:16AM on Jun 14th 2008 by dani

94. Well said, massachsetts. I can't help but think of Billy Joel's song -- Only The Good Die Young. God Speed, Brother Tim.

Posted at 12:21AM on Jun 14th 2008 by lady godiva

95. I WILL MISS MY SUNDAY MEET THE PRESS SHOW W/OUT TIM.I KNOW HE'S WITH GOD NOW.

Posted at 1:33AM on Jun 14th 2008 by JUBAL

96. Your headline is completely out of order! The family should be notified before anyone else. This is done for their privacy and well being! This was not delayed because of making money from commercials. We have lost one of the few newsmen that was really fair and balanced. He was well prepared for any interview. My prayers go out to his family and close friends.

Posted at 8:25AM on Jun 14th 2008 by Reader in IL

97. That was big of them.

Posted at 10:49AM on Jun 14th 2008 by Roger C.

98. So sad. He was a great journalist because he put alot of work into it & was fair, which is so important.

Posted at 10:58AM on Jun 17th 2008 by Reine

99. KUDOS to NBC for waiting till the family was notified! Tim Russert will be sorely missed, particularly in this upcoming election season. I know that I'll miss seeing him on TV. May God be with his family during these upcoming days.

RIP

Posted at 10:48PM on Jun 14th 2008 by American Pride

100. What a sad day for us all. Tim Russert (in my opinion) was one of the most fair, decent and pleasant ment in the
news business. His was the only show I watched over the years. I will miss that smile, his humor and him!! My
deepest condolences to his family and co-workers and friennds. As I said-this is a loss for all of us. I hope he was
not in too much pain at the end and went quickly. But still, to lost a good person at such a young age. It makes
one reflect upon their own life and legacy and that nothing in this world is permanent. My hears and prayers again
are with his family. God Bless.
With deepest sympathies,
Michelle Fotheringham

Posted at 12:28PM on Jun 14th 2008 by Michelle Fotheringham

101. A true gentleman! He will go down in History as the only one that could be honest at MSNBC ....
He will be missed...My thoughts are with his father, wife and son..Go with God!

Posted at 1:16PM on Jun 14th 2008 by mshill

102. You dumb bastards what did you expect NBC to do, run out with their hands in the air yelling he's dead, he's dead.

Sometimes you have to wonder about TMZ. Are you all stupid?

Posted at 2:15PM on Jun 14th 2008 by DingDong DingDong

103. I haven't taken the time to read all these comments, but why the hell is it news that they waited to report it? I don't get it. What the eff is the big deal? Why is this news-worthy--that NBC delayed--and why the "Story Developing"? Sheesh louise. RIP Tim. My Sundays, and millions of others', will never be the same.

Posted at 3:51PM on Jun 14th 2008 by pcs

104. I appreciate so much the lengthy, wonderful coverage about the life of extraordinary Tim Russert. He meant so much to me as a viewer. I'll miss him greatly. Your hours of sharing so many stories of Tim has helped me so, in the grieving process.. i feel many viewers want to thank you, too. I loved seeing and hearing him on Meet the Press, the Primaries, the debates this past year. i, too remember the elections in the past and will always remember that white clip board, Florida, Florida, Florida..
He was funny, endearing; as sharp and as knowledgable as can be - just a grand person!
I am so sorry about your gigantic loss within the NBC family - and - in the whole world of Journalism. Truly there was none like him. He showed us his big heart in his great love for his family; his dad, Big Russ, his son, Luke and his wife and sisters..; his country, his Buffalo and his baseball team..
And he was indeed, a man with the highest integrity; his passion, compassion, his huge intellect and love for learning taught us so much more about our country. He energized us, encouraged us all to get excited and more involved in our world. We were indeed better informed on the latest, most relevant news when we listened to Tim Russert.
He had enormous faith so evident
in the way he treated and loved people.
He did so enjoy life..

I am so sorry.
I have his entire family in my deepest prayers.
Hebe

Posted at 7:35AM on Jun 15th 2008 by Hebe

105. Sounds like NBC did the right thing, and the Times did not. Reporting the news regarding the death of a person is not just 'they're dead, get it on the air'...as his employer, they were right to notify family first. That's called 'class', TMZ...look it up. We all know you don't understand the meaning.

Posted at 5:58PM on Jun 14th 2008 by Heather