Sunday, February 8, 2009

Remembering Tim Russert - What He Meant To Viewers

It's Sunday morning, and Sunday mornings haven't been the same. No, after losing America's leading political journalist, Tim Russert, our weekend routine just isn't the same. Like many, I take serious news shows seriously, and want to be well informed about my country, the world's political landscape, our economy and threats to our well-being. Every Sunday morning I spent one hour tuning in to NBC to get a slice of news I could really use.

I miss hearing those words "Moderator of Meet the Press, Tim Russert". For most, it takes years to develop confidence and faith in a television journalist. Viewers are jaded by varying news reports that turn out to be wrong, cable news anchors attacking their competitors, and journalists hosting shows where their respective opinions "are the news".

Over the many years of watching Meet the Press, I developed a high regard for Tim. Although never having the privilege of meeting him, you can tell when a man incorporates intellect, hard work, integrity and ethics as part of his personal and professional traits. I've never seen another broadcaster who could be so probing, provocative and yet tender all in the same half-hour interview.

We were fortunate as viewers that Tim let us in just a bit on his family life. You can tell when a man loves his father, his wife and his son. He was a wonderful author, and left a rich legacy to many fathers and sons in this country. Over the airwaves Tim's viewers felt they were his friends, his extended family.

Of course the "show" must go on, and serious viewers will open their mind to Tim's replacement. They'll sit back and evaluate, they'll listen and compare. David Gregory has such a large responsibility, earning the trust of viewers throughout the country, shooting straight, being an honest broker for the truth. He has large shoes to fill.

This past November I caught myself daydreaming just a bit - what if Tim were alive, can you imagine the Presidential coverage? I think he would have been so thrilled, so proud of America! What would his sign have said? His presence in the booth would have made a magical night all the more thrilling.

Julie Anne

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