Tim Russert's son to join NBC convention team

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Tim Russert's son to join NBC convention team

By LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer
19 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES - The late Tim Russert's son will take up a family tradition for NBC News, helping to cover the Democratic and Republican conventions.

Luke Russert's assignment as a convention correspondent focusing on "youth issues" is his first for NBC, the network said Thursday.

Russert, 22, a recent Boston College graduate, has been on the radio since 2006 as co-host with pundit James Carville of "60/20 Sports" on XM Satellite Radio.

"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," NBC News President Steve Capus said in a statement.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080731/ap_on_en_tv/nbc_news_luke_russert

[tularetom]

1. Yeah this pampered rich kid is representative of the "youth vote"

Nepotism strikes again.

[elehhhhna]

2. Nobody on earth could possibly be more qualified than that kid.

NOT

[napi21]

3. I think he did a very good job when he spoke on the different networks

after his Father died. I don't really care if he's rich or not. Do youhonestly think there are many poor people on the networks? I'm glad for him that he's getting this break.

[devilgrrl]

4. Yeah, he worked so hard to get to where he is.

:eyes:

I can barely wait.

[napi21]

10. It's unfair to look at it that way. I can understand feeling that way about

Cindy McCain, or Paris Hilton, but in all fairness they don't have any talent either! He did a good job on the networks. I'm sure that has a lot to do with his experience in a home where he father was deeply involved in the media business, but I think it also means he learned a lot in college and is capable of putting it to use.

I look at it this way. Jack Kennedy was born into wealth, so was Shrub. There are NO, ABSOLUTELY NO similarities between them other than they will both be in the history books as being presidents!

[CreekDog]

15. did they compete that job?

doubtful. :eyes:

[NashVegas]

22. Most People In Broadcasting Make Eat Ramen Noodles for YEARS

Before they're making any decent amount of money. Then you get the people who understand the corporate game and manage to get internships at one of a few handfuls of super-stations, and parlay that into something much bigger by the time they're 25.

What both of the above have in common is that for at least a little while, they're someone's dog.

[The Croquist]

61. Sorry but this kid is being hired for his name not his talent.

This is nepotism at it's worst. It might be OK in sports broadcasting but news?

Most large companies like to claim that they hire and promote on merit. How can NBC do that with a strait face? There are thousands of NBC employees that would love to have this kind of opportunity.

[glowing]

5. There's a surprise.. I guess he's there to give us that avg.young-person

opinion.. you know that private school, elite college, european jet setting opinion all young people of America have had the privellage of enjoying.

[Indenturedebtor]

7. Oh don't forget having a father that didn't have to work 80 hours a week

Seriously what sort of echo chamber crap is this? Do they really think that America gives a crap about that Owlfaced corporatist's kid?

[speedoo]

6. Absurd. Oh wait, this is NBC.

Makes perfect sense for them, since they have no interest in providing real coverage.

[kestrel91316]

8. How many genuinely talented young journalists got turned down for the slot

in favor of this kid who, IMHO, got it through NEPOTISM?

This is shameful.

[aquamarina]

12. Spot. On. Could not agree more. eom.

[devilgrrl]

13. You can say that again and screw his defenders - that punk never worked a day in his life

:nuke:

[lib2DaBone]

62. Waiting For NBC To Call Me....

I have a degree in Journalism. I have been working at small market radio stations and sending out air-check resumes for 6 years. Good to know that NBC will be calling me next week.

[aquart]

9. And here I thought we were opposed to dynasties.

Guess it only applies to women.

[elfin]

11. My son had a great father who died too young -

and he spoke eloquently at his Dad's service at the same age as Luke. Friends still remark on it after 10 years.

Then he went on to earn his own way in the world with approval from his Dad's accomplished admirers - but NO "handouts".

He is amazing and I cringe at the obvious leg up Russert's son is being given, even though he seems bright and amiable.

I hope he does not crash and burn in the public eye-- but never mind, he will be coddled every step of the way if he falters.

This dismays me -

[keroro gunsou]

14. so long as he

toes the company line. take one step off it and he's boned.

[deminks]

16. Legacy news- well why not. We've already experienced a legacy president

with a legacy education.

[Ichingcarpenter]

17. Nance Greggs could do this job as could William Pitt

I know some young bloggers that are 10 times the analyst of the youth vote.
Russert's son hasn't done anything in school, the net or in newspapers to deserve
this spot.

Edited because I was an idiot on Nance last name

[KamaAina]

18. Nance *Greggs*, right?

Not Nancy Grace??? :scared:

[Ichingcarpenter]

20. Edited......

I'm sure she forgives me..........now I will go shoot myself

[KamaAina]

19. Oh thank god! There hadn't been any Russert news for weeks!

I was practically going out of my mind!

:sarcasm:

[Doctor_J]

21. Not too subtle - "Look! Not all young people are voting for Obama!"

Where's Kerry's son or Wes Clark Jr. to offset this travesty? Can't they find any Repukes who aren't inbred?

[goodgd_yall]

23. That's great!

Maybe he'll be walking in his father's footsteps!

[otohara]

24. For 22 Yrs Old, He's Pretty Impressive

good for him - see you in Denver, Luke.

[KoKo]

25. ROFL! "Big Tim" hooked him up with "Carville/Matalin"...Little Time is GOLDEN!

He will be a Billionaire by 30 and can RETIRE with "Big Tim's Paving the Way." :puke: He never had to do a thing to earn anything on his own...except manage to get through the "chosen college."

What chance to OUR KIDS HAVE...against THIS? :-(

[Donnachaidh]

26. nepotism, pure and simple

And I'll bet there are dozens of communications majors out there who could run RINGS around this kid. But he's Russert's spawn, so I guess that makes it okey-doke.

What other kid starting out with only 2 years experience on radio can step into the MAINSTREAM without a little push from the Old BOYS club? Luke will bring a *unique* perspective straight from the *Daddy got me all that I ever wanted* youth angle.

Thanks MSNBC -- one more reason to tune that station out.

[Judi Lynn]

27. NBC Hires Luke Russert as a Correspondent

July 31, 2008, 3:25 pm
NBC Hires Luke Russert as a Correspondent
By Brian Stelter

The late “Meet the Press” moderator Tim Russert’s imprint will remain with NBC News for some time to come: his son Luke will serve as a correspondent at large for the network.

The elder Mr. Russert, 58, died of a heart attack on June 13. He frequently mentioned Luke, his only son, in television appearances.

The younger Mr. Russert’s first assignment will be at the Democratic National Convention in Denver at the end of August and at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul at the beginning of September. A 2008 Boston College graduate, he will focus on youth issues for NBC.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/nbc-hires-luke-russert-as-a-correspondent/

[defendandprotect]

28. Isn't it amazing how these kids move up? One after another ....

[cyr330]

29. He is just the son

of a reporter/journalist. What the fuck does he know about politics? I listened to him after his dad died, and his political insights were really shallow, I found. . . As someone said earlier, he sure did have to work hard to get where he is!

[depakid]

30. "a family tradition" -in other words nepotism

[TaffyMoon]

31. Nice to see the kid capitalizing on his father's death...

[No Elephants]

32. Here's Hoping He's Not As Republican As His Dad

Tim Russet did a fantastic job of slanting Republican while convincing most he was being impartial, or even leaning Democratic. That's a very insidious combination.

Let's hope his son is either less biased or less skillful at hiding his bias. Or maybe more ethical.

[ikojo]

33. His dad at least knew what someone who had to depend upon

a check had to go through, Little Luke has no idea what it is to worry about how to pay for anything. Private school...paid for...private university...paid for...trips all over the world at the most fancy of hotels...all paid for with daddy's money. I'm sure he's set for life.

He's probably more Republican than his dad because he grew up in wealth and privilege. The only working class people he has probably ever known are in a servant capacity, oh and his aging grandfather.

So, can we expect baby Matt Lauer to take over for him when he's old enough?

[bluevoter4life]

34. NBC Hires Luke Russert as a Correspondent

Source: New York Times

The late “Meet the Press” moderator Tim Russert’s imprint will remain with NBC News for some time to come: his son Luke will serve as a correspondent at large for the network.

The elder Mr. Russert, 58, died of a heart attack on June 13. He frequently mentioned Luke, his only son, in television appearances.

The younger Mr. Russert’s first assignment will be at the Democratic National Convention in Denver at the end of August and at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul at the beginning of September. A 2008 Boston College graduate, he will focus on youth issues for NBC.

“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,” Steve Capus, the president of NBC News, said in a statement.

Read more: http://tvdecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/nbc-hires-luke-russert-as-a-correspondent/?hp

---

Go get 'em Luke. Give 'em hell.

[polichick]

35. Good move - the youth vote is important and the kid is impressive...

Not to mention, it's a nice nod to Dad.

[janethussein]

36. AWESOME !

Luke is a very intelligent young man and mature beyond his years. He will be an excellent correspondent.

[callous taoboy]

60. Oh, oh god, ughhh, excuse me a second....

:puke:

[otohara]

63. I Second The Awesome

he's smart, he's cute - he's connected.

See you in Denver, Luke!

[aquart]

37. And it's not like he's never had anything handed to him.

Cozy.

[nradisic]

39. I disagree...

It is a Russert name legacy. His grandfather did well by the Russert name and Tim did a pretty good job of adding to the Russert legacy.

Luke is smart, well educated, charismatic and his last name is Russert. He deserves a chance and that is what NBC is giving him.

[Royal Oak Rog]

38. What about the budding corespondent

that won't get that job. Nice to have affirmative action for news families. Has Luke also pledged to be soft on Republicans?

[kmac3]

41. Gift or Buy . . . .

Royal Oak Rog ... "Has Luke also pledged to be soft on Republicans?"

Great question ... Does the offer include a sell out of his own political persuasion? If it does, it's really not a gift, it's buying him. Would like to believe he will be his own man. Time will soon tell the story. I'll hope for the best.

[izquierdista]

42. Like a 90 year old dishrag

[KoKo]

51. Ahh..you are one of those who believes in DYNASTY instead of Independent Destiny.

Assume you are also one of the "privileged ones?" :shrug:

[CreekDog]

40. Well I assume there was a long line of applicants, etc. etc.

and that the panel selected his application and interview as far superior to any other candidate. :eyes:

[KoKo]

52. Of course. "Affirmative Action" or the "Internship Needy" were all duly interviewed for the job.

:rofl:

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tinrobot]

44. One question - why didn't they hire him 6 months ago?

I'm sure Luke Russert is a great guy, but NBC's timing is really suspect.

Sounds little like NBC is trying to cash in on Russert's name before it fades away.

[KoKo]

55. Luke/Luck still had that "XM Satellite Radio Sports contract with James Carville he had to fulfill.

Now that XM and SIRRIUS are merging his job he got with Carville (through daddy) when he was a Sophomore at Boston College is now in limbo. Little Luke needs a new gig and is taking advantage of all the angst at NBC to make sure he gets his new gig. It's pure opportunism. With "Much Help from Friends in High Places, too."

[pretzel4gore]

45. anudder rich kid's rich kid's rich kid....just great!

nbc has pretty well thrown away any reputation it had (unless for peddling its ass on wall street) anyway- absolutely disgusting people who have committed treason publicly for many years....russert's idyot kid probably is well suited for for his muddefukker's 'hide-the-lapel-pin' nudge wink game.

[OwnedByFerrets]

46. It aint whatcha know......

well, you know the rest of it. I feel badly for those who got passed over.

[lib2DaBone]

47. well said.....

It ain't what ya know.. it who ya blow.... LOL (Haven't heard that one in a long while)

[mitchum]

48. The latest from NBC News...Nepotism Boosts Career

[underpants]

49. What difference does it make?

another legacy pundit (Kristol, Cokie, Kagan) or a failed actress (most of the TV news personalities)
:shrug:
Good Luck Luke

[KoKo]

53. "Good Luck, Luke...Good Luck, Jeb, Bush Twins and the rest of the Beltway Inner Circle Employed.

Do you have kids? Will THEY get those "breaks?" Did You? Is that why you post in the Affirmative for out and out NEPOTISM? Haven't we seen ENOUGH OF THAT in Bush Administration going back to Nixon? How many more kids of fathers of grandfathers in the Government and Media can we have before it's a "circular cabal of Family Dynaties" all keeping their "secrets tight within the family?" :shrug:

Don't tell me you don't know what "Crime Family" means. :eyes:

[Raineyb]

50. Give 'em hell?

Not bloody likely. No doubt TPTB at NBC knew exactly what they were buying.

Another nepotism hire who'll probably start yammering about how poor people have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps; just like he did.

Regards

[KoKo]

54. Jackie Welch (former whoring head of GE) sits on Natucket with his Board Games

still picking and choosing the New Heirs to his Legacy. AYYYYYYYYYY!

[BrklynLiberal]

56. Gee. I sure do wonder which side he will be harsher on.....

[DarthDem]

64. Heh.

Good comment. I don't . . . and neither do you. :)

[Maestro]

57. I do not agree with this at all.

While he has all my sympathy for losing his father, NBC has not done the right thing. This smacks of favoritism 100%. There are many journalists who are working in small-time venues trying to work themselves up the ladder and Luke Russert gets this position on at the national level because of his name. This just is not right. In fact, this might end up hurting him if this gig does not work out well.

[librechik]

58. not right, but fairly common and tolerated.

We live in an aristocracy, not a meritocracy. Poor kid, hope he redeems himself by being totally great, contrary to the usual.

[callous taoboy]

59. Use the farce, Luke. May the farce be with you, Luke.