Replacing Russert: Williams To Host MTP This Sunday; Russert's Saturday Show Replaced By Doc Programming

No permanent decisions have been made about replacing Tim Russert as moderator of "Meet The Press," or replacing Tim Russert as NBC Washington bureau chief, or replacing him on his Saturday MSNBC show, or in any other of the many roles he held within NBC News — but still, Sunday is happening in two days, and there's an empty chair that needs filling. So, for this week, at least, Russert will be replaced on "Meet The Press" by NBC News anchor and managing editor Brian Williams.

No permanent decisions have been made, and the only other announcement that has been made about the show is two guests: Senators Lindsey Graham and Joe Biden, both of whom were supposed to appear on the MTP of June 15, 2008. The senators were slated for the first half hour, with a roundtable comprised of Dan Balz and John Harwood; no word yet on whether there will be a roundtable for this show or who will participate in it. Williams will be replaced on "Nightly News" tonight and tomorrow night by Ann Curry.

But what of Russert's Saturday show? He had taped his final show — also with Harwood — prior to his death last Friday, but MSNBC did not air it last week and will not air it this week. According to MSNBC spokesperson Jeremy Gaines, the timeslots will be temporarily filled as follows: Saturday at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2a.m. ET - documentary programming; Sunday at 11 a.m. - live news.

Details to come when they are available.

Comments

[zendem1]

Probably will be Matthews, but not for awhile...They can't afford to move Olbermann out of the 8:00 weeknight slot. Brian Williams would be an excellent full-time choice but he's busy with another gig at the moment...My personal choice in a perfect world would be Bill Moyers.

[viva4peace]

I agree on two counts. Gwen Ifill would be a GREAT choice. She can handle herself in tough situations asking the hard questions to anyone; she is very intelligent; she is not a DC insider and can be fair. I also agree that the show should be revamped allowing other journalist (along with the moderator) to question guest.

[kroses98]

Never happen! Boring as hell!!!

[schicklett3]

Brian Williams is an excellent choice - he's a true newsman.

[kroses98]

Doubt it. Can't keep his news rating up. How could he keep these rating up?

[PAposter]

David Gergen, as the permanent replacement.

[Witchitalineman]

I hadn't thought of him, but you are right. I like his analysis and most of the time objectivity.

[kroses98]

Too old. Wishy-Washy!!!

[JerryTheAngel]

Oh, It wouldn't be unprecedented. ABC used to be Issues and Answers and then changed to This Week with David Brinkley.

[john44]

Same thing will happen here, JerryTA. Brian, Gwen, Andrea, Chuck Todd , Joe Scarborough. They will keep it cozy.

[JerryTheAngel]

Change the name of the program. Revamp the whole show. Make it the same format but the best thing NBC could do is come up with a new name.

[ruffmama]

If they change the name and revamp the whole show then they could no longer claim it as "the longest running show on TV". Somehow I doubt that Mr. Russert would want MTP to just "go away" because of his death. They will work it out.....

[1PALady]

Gwen Ifle

[dagnew]

Great choice. Gwen Ifle is very credible.

[kroses98]

Too BOOOOORRRRRING!!!!!!!!!!!

[proudloudlib]

I think that for the permanent position, they should take their time, rotate it around a bit, kind of like on-air auditions. A consensus choice should emerge. Man, he is going to be tough to replace!

[RedStateCenterLeft]

I think we've stumbled upon some truth here. Let's use the silly season up to the convention to see who's got the chops to wear Russert;s mantle. BriWi this week. Next week, maybe Andrea, followed by Chuckie T, Gwen, John Harwood, and if he'd like to, Tom Brokaw. Russert is going to be tough to replace, but life goes on. So, too, must, MTP, right down to the name, set and John Williams' theme.

[NoSillyName]

That's a good idea. I hope they don't choose someone in haste and then be stuck with an inappropriate choice. But it will take a long time, if ever, to accept anyone in Russert's place.