Who’ll succeed Tim Russert key for NBC Kevin Blaum In the Arena

NBC HAS concluded its dignified tributes to Tim Russert, longtime host of “Meet the Press.” Russert died on June 13 of a heart attack while at work in his Washington, D.C., office preparing for his Sunday broadcast.

Two days later, Tom Brokaw opened Russert’s program and carried out the unenviable task of leading a panel discussion on the life and times of his deceased friend and colleague.

Last Sunday, “Meet the Press” attempted a return to normalcy by moving forward with the same show and guests that were scheduled prior to Russert’s passing. NBC news anchor Brian Williams played host to U.S. Sens. Joe Biden, D-Del., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The topic, chosen by Russert of course, was the upcoming 2008 presidential election.

If you caught the broadcast, it ended with excerpts of several eulogies beautifully delivered during Russert’s memorial service at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following his funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Church. Playing in the background was an unusual yet exquisite arrangement of Arlen and Harburg’s 1939 classic, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The rendition that played as mourners exited the Kennedy Center gave way to the stunning sight of a colossal double rainbow arching above our nation’s capitol for all of them to see. If you missed it, catch it on YouTube; more than 30,000 already have.

Here at “In The Arena” it feels as though we’re heading into the election, this most important fall classic, without our big bat, our all-star shortstop, our 20-game winner. Tim Russert was that good.

This morning Tom Brokaw returns to guest host “Meet the Press” and NBC has announced he will continue doing so until the presidential election on Nov. 4. At that time NBC hopes to name Russert’s permanent replacement. No pressure there.

Who can replace Tim Russert? The answer is no one I’m aware of. But perhaps the question is better put, who should succeed Tim Russert?

Brokaw’s good, but he’s a bright man who enjoys his semi-retirement. Brian Williams won’t leave his “NBC Nightly News” stint, or would he? According to news reports, the decision looms very large for NBC.

Russert built “Meet the Press” into the runaway leader of Sunday morning news programs. It earns more than $60 million a year for the network and advertisers wait in line for their shot at a spot on “MTP.” On average, 4.2 million viewers tune in to Russert’s show every Sunday, compared to 2.8 million for ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” less for “Face the Nation” on CBS, 2.3 million for Sunday’s “The Chris Matthews Show,” while “Fox News Sunday” with Chris Wallace (host of “MTP” from 1987 to 1988) brings up the rear.

NBC does not want to fool with its winning formula and demographics, but it must. While there is no clear choice to succeed Russert, NBC cannot afford a mistake. Names being mentioned from their stable of talent include David Gregory, Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, Andrea Mitchell, Joe Scarborough and more. NBC could even go outside the network to a Stephanopoulos, Gwen Ifill, Katie Couric, Charlie Rose or several others. Feel free to post your choice in the comment section that follows this column online, at www.timesleader.com. I’m leaning toward Chris Matthews.

Whoever is selected will find it a bit easier to succeed Brokaw on Nov. 9 than to occupy Tim’s chair right now. Nevertheless, it will be a far more difficult task than it was for a young Tim Russert who in 1991 took over for Garrick Utley.

Kevin Blaum is associate director of admission at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston where he also teaches government. Blaum spent 26 years as a Pennsylvania state legislator and was a Wilkes-Barre City Councilman. Reach him at kblaum@timesleader.com.

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