If you watched even a single minute of Tim Russert’s emotional public memorial, which was broadcast live on MSNBC last month, then the announcement NBC brass just made regarding the late “Meet the Press” host’s son might not surprise you.
NBC News is giving 22-year-old Luke Russert the chance to carry on his dad’s legacy—-on air.
Earlier today NBC News President Steve Capus revealed that Luke will help cover the Democratic and Republican conventions for the peacock network. According to Capus, Luke’s official role will be that of convention correspondent focusing on “youth issues.”
The job will reportedly be Luke’s first for NBC. The beloved son of Tim Russert and his wife, Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth, just graduated from Boston College last month and has been working on XM Satellite Radio as a co-host of “60/20 Sports” with political pundit (and longtime family friend) James Carville.
According to network bigwigs, Luke will repot live from the Democratic convention in Denver, August 25-28, and the Republican meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota, September 1-4.
“Never before in an election cycle has so much attention turned to the youth vote, and Luke will bring a unique perspective to covering it,” Capus said in a statement.
Russert said in a statement that he was “humbled and grateful” for the opportunity.
Tim Russert, the legendary host of NBC’s “Meet the Press” and Washington bureau chief for NBC died June 13 of a heart attack at 58. He was a well-respected and integral part of the network’s political coverage. In fact, some say the jovial Russert was the face of politics at NBC.
In addition to Luke Russert, “NBC Nightly News” anchorman Brian Williams will be reporting live from each convention, as will former “Nightly News” anchorman Tom Brokaw – who has covered every presidential election since 1968. Meanwhile, MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews will be anchoring cable coverage from the conventions, according to Capus.
What do you make of NBC’s decision to persuade Luke Russert to join the family business?