What's In A Name? MTP Says Goodbye To Russert's

There was another quiet rite of passage for NBC this week, in a long list of sad ones since they lost Tim Russert just over two weeks ago: His name has been removed from the "Meet The Press" title card. Two weeks ago in the memorial show two days after Russert's death, the title card bore his name, over his desk and empty chair; last week, it was shown as usual over an image of the Capitol, with the usual intro — "From NBC News in Washington, this is 'Meet The Press' with Tim Russert" — his name announced just before that of guest-host Brian Williams. This week, with the first show of interim host Tom Brokaw, Russert's name was dropped from the title and announcement — as well as the title card on the back end of the broadcast, which shows the website address.

Initially, MTP executive producer Betsy Fischer had said that Russert's name would stay until a permanent host was selected, according to an interview she gave to TVNewser's Alissa Krisnky prior to the June 22nd broadcast. However, after two weeks of including Russert's name as host in the title card and voiceover, the time had clearly come to move the broadcast on to the next phase, at least by one more small increment. Note that today's broadcast was referred to as "a special edition of 'Meet the Press,' moderated today by Tom Brokaw"; last week it was the regular Washington-based non-special edition, with Williams described as "sitting in today." Presumably next week, back in D.C., the title and voice-over will evolve again, in another small step away from what it used to be, and towards what it now must, sadly but inevitably, become.

Related:
Russert's Name Stays, As His Staff Remembers [TVNewser]

Comments

[Eric8869]

It's not called The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson either...what is your point??????

[SonnyBono]

So Tom Brokaw replaced Tim Russert and boy, did Tommy phone it in against Governor Arnold of California - Arnold talked about climate change (?) and Tommy didn't ask him why he owns a dozen or so Humvees. Arnold talked about how the sub prime morgage crisis was unexpected and such a surprise and Tommy wanted to know about the California Surpreme Court decision to allow same sex marriage. What a thrilling penetrating correspondent - I changed the channel before Tommy crawled up on Arnold's lap and kissed his ring finger.

Somebody at GE should pull the plug on this dinosaur - MTP has been a platform for the establishment for years - RIP, MTP.

[fignozzle]

Somebody at GE should pull the plug on this dinosaur - MTP has been a platform for the establishment for years - RIP, MTP.
~sonnybono




may this NEVER be!

[wallyinindy]

Let's move on. Tim will be missed but so is everybody else who passes on. There are plenty of people who can do that job and who are less biased.

[hillaryj]

This is sad...........the end of a great time period on TV.

[AliLiz]

We all have lost a love one. We honor them, mourn and move on.

MTP has an opportunity to get new blood...a person who will stand on Tim's shoulders and be taller. Will this happen? Hope so.

[Floralgirl]

Wow- is this really a story?? Tim Russert is dead, of course they removed his name from the show. Is that really so shocking?

[sufi66]

NBC/ General Electric should make a parrot the new moderator. Might as well. Tim rarely challenged the "people who mattered" in Washington D.C. This is why the Bush people loved to go on the show.

[Jason357]

Chris Matthews is my guess at who they could trust to carry on the tradition of saying nothing while saying a lot.

[NTO08]

It's time to move on...as some suggest, returning to MTP's roots and having a group of reporters question a guest is a great way to honor Tim, actually, since he always was a steward of the show's time-honored traditions and I am sure would be pleased by having that format return and updated for 21st century TV.

[DrDemon]

I think NBC has handled the whole thing MASTERFULLY; considering the circumstances.

[marthlois]

To all of you who have made snide remarks: It's so obvious that a headline like this will bring out a lot of cold, heartless people! Have you no respect? Even if they're making a bigger deal out of this than you'd
like to see? Get a grip & show some sensitivity and respect.

[Jason357]

Go find a big mirror and take a look at yourself before lecturing others. I bet you see a big chunk of self-righteousness on your shoulders.

[DaOne]

NBC should have a reality TV show to find a replacement. I'd love to be on as I have a few questions for McSame!!!

[ladyrefined2000]

who cares?????????????????

[bikerdude]

Tweety and David and Tommy B for starters...

[cmdrgmh]

I guess we have to move on. I know that I really looked forward to Sunday Talk, and now I just don't care.

[pundit27]

For many of us dinosaurs, as a journalistic enterprise MTP was a more edifying show when Lawrence Spivak moderated real reporters asking tough questions. As sad as Russert's death is, perhaps TV news can grow from it -- away from "personalities" and "hosts" back to more aggressive
group interviewing. Unfortunately, is there any chance that NBC will move in that direction? Not if they are consulting Q ratings and 8x10 glossies to choose who will take over the show.

[bikerdude]

I feel like you do pun...We need a "spivak" to get the right reporters asking all the tough questions. A show like that needs to put fair and balanced and chic crap behind the issues. If a show is drilling deep on an issue, be fair next week...Get to the heart of the matter.

[sufi66]

Sunday talk shows give a good illusion that substance is being debated. The truth is that no one would appear on these shows if something was in danger of being revealed. Also, there is advertising to consider. No sponsor would pay money unless it was a safe bet.

[LiberalBuzz]

Unfortunately as all things in life are, it's time to move on. Tim's name isn't on there anymore and such a shame, but it is indeed time to move on.

[HannibalSilver]

The NBC family is handling this matter with sense and sensibility. What makes the emotional acceptance that Tim is "on an extended special assignment" is a complex process due to his huge humanity and professionalism. Moreover, he is so alive in our minds that I would not be shocked if at any moment we get Tim's Breaking News from somewhere over the rainbow. The glorious rainbow after the Kennedy's Celebration was a signpost to more news to come...
During Tim's extended assignment phase Luke Russert should be hired by NBC News. Because of his great mind and heart and because he is the best medicine to our collective grief.

[kasv]

Beautifully said - thank you.

[myshadow]

Right, check him out on larry king, he's still a bit of a fratboy.

[Texas4Obama]

I loved Tim and miss him dearly.
But come on - Luke is still too young to be hired by NBC and he needs a haircut ;)
Just because Luke is a Russert does not mean he is qualified to be on the air.

[bikerdude]

Hire Luke as an office boy and let him work his way up. Journalists develop greatness over time. The son of a tv personality does not make one a journalist or even a tv personality. Luke seems like a nice boy with a good upbringing, but the woods (and streets) are full of boys and girls like that. Lets have the next "Tim" work for the job.