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NBC News Delayed Russert Announcement

Posted Jun 13th 2008 3:56PM by TMZ Staff

NBC News waited almost 15 minutes to report the death of its colleague Tim Russert, mostly because his wife and son are on vacation in Italy.

The NY Times reported the story on their website at 3:23 PM ET. NBC didn't break in to make the announcement until 3:39 PM.

NBC sources tell us they delayed because they could not reach his family overseas. They were on the trip to celebrate his son Luke's graduation.

NBC tapped veteran anchor Tom Brokaw -- a close friend of Russert's -- to make the announcement.

Story developing ...

Tags: NBC, TIm Russert, TimRussert

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Reader Comments

(Page 8 of 8) Previous 15 Comments

106. Is Big Russ dead? I have heard condolences to his wife, and son, but none to his Dad. (on T.V) If so, when did he die? Thanks!

Posted at 10:23PM on Jun 14th 2008 by Candace

107. NBC did right by waiting to notify his family first before making the announcement....screw who got the scoop first!!!

Posted at 10:21PM on Jun 14th 2008 by Your AD Here!

108. TMZ...you are incorrect ..... of course they would not announce his death without His immediate family knowing first...

NBC waited to make the announcement......wanting to be sure his entire family...knew what happened.............watch the news ..listen...

that is not what MSNBC reported yesterday ot today.

Wrong as usual

Posted at 11:49PM on Jun 14th 2008 by homegirl101

109. First,May God bless his family and friends,and ease their pain and emptiness.
His broadcasts could be trusted as pure and honesty like no other.I'm sure our nation
lost a loving Icon. RIP Tim.

Posted at 9:13AM on Jun 15th 2008 by Robert Watson

110. who cares if they waited 15 minutes. out of respect for his family of course they waited. would people rather his family hear the news by watching tv? boy oh boy the rediculous items that the New York Times "reports" is very un-newsworthy!

Posted at 1:50PM on Jun 16th 2008 by EASY

111. I am so sorry for the lose of Tim. For all of us, but most of all his wife, son, family and his NBC family. There is not a Sunday morning, I didn't get up to watch him. However there where many a Sunday morning I didn't make it to church. Tim help me understand so much. I am a blue color guy. His method of questions, allowed everyone to be part of the process. No matter their economic or educational position. He made everyone welcome. Then he would proceed to question with respect and determination. Showing how, it truely should be done. Unlike so many muck rakers. He will be missed by all. He truly made his life worth while. I know, he has possible taken over the position at the Great Gates. Asking questions with respect and detemination, of individual souls, as they try to gain entrance. Much strengthh and Love to his wife son and family at this very difficult time.

Posted at 3:52PM on Jun 17th 2008 by Sean McDonough

112. I have a feeling he did not die of natural causes

Posted at 8:32PM on Jun 18th 2008 by DW

113. How can someone so rich, so powerful, so smart, and so politicaly connected die so young. I don't beleve he died of natural causes. People need to ask more questions.

Posted at 8:31PM on Jun 18th 2008 by DW

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