Talk Radio Reacts To News Of Tim Russert's Sudden Passing

RUSH: TIM WAS 'GENUINE'

Talk Hosts Reflect On Legacy Of NBC's Tim Russert





*** COULD OLBERMANN REPLACE RUSSERT? ***
*** WITH EXCLUSIVE QUOTES ***


The sudden and highly unexpected passing of NBC's Tim Russert has talk radio both in a state of shock and reflecting on his immense journalistic legacy.

As a result of his approach to moderating Meet The Press and position inside a network conservatives often criticize, the medium's relationship with Russert was at times bumpy, but a great deal of respect was always maintained. Watching MTP was a virtual job requirement for the nation's talkers and Monday morning recaps of the show became routine.

Because the news broke after many hosts had finished for the week (though Sean Hannity spent more than an hour talking about it), your Radio Equalizer asked several key talkers for their reactions to the news.


First up was Rush Limbaugh, who got to know Russert well over the years in a variety of settings, including as a guest on his program and a rare 2004 interview on Rush's own show.

"It's just a shame," Limbaugh told your Radio Equalizer just moments ago. "Tim was a regular guy with that perpetual smile he wore naturally all the time. He loved life and got everything he could out of it.

"He was the closest thing there was at any of the networks to an objective journalist.

"Whether it was at dinner here in Florida while his son was taking golf lessons, or on the set of Meet The Press, Tim was always the same with me: genuine. He never condescended to anyone and was the consummate professional. He will be hard to replace," Limbaugh added.


Syndicated ABC Radio talker Mark Levin also weighed in, saying "I didn't know Tim Russert personally. I used to kid about him on my show. But I, like most others, am stunned and saddened by his sudden death. I always admired his deep commitment to his family.

"He was obviously a wonderful father, son, and husband. And he wasn't afraid to show his love and affection for them. That will be his true legacy. And it is a legacy far more important than any professional or career accomplishments, of which he had many. I wish his family peace."

Westwood One host Lars Larson added: "he was a true professional and gentleman... who was always a pleasure to watch and interview."

Longtime talker Melanie Morgan, also of Move America Forward, had this to say: "America has lost a legendary figure in the worlds of politics and journalism. A fair, decent and honorable human being, Tim Russert set a standard for professionalism that few of his colleagues ever came close to matching.

"When Russert conducted an interview or reported on a story, he did so with an impartiality that would leave viewers clueless as to his personal biases. That's exactly how it should be done, and nobody did it better than Tim Russert."


Russert's relationship with talk radio was sometimes rocky, as became apparent during the infamous Don Imus "nappy-headed ho's" flap. Russert, a longtime friend of Imus, was criticized both by supporters and detractors of the I-Man, seemingly in a no-win situation.

In addition, Russert's overall standing with the medium improved markedly after an October 2007 presidential debate where, as moderator, he took Hillary Clinton to task for supporting drivers licenses for illegal aliens.

For talk radio and millions of Americans, Sunday mornings will never be same.


RUSSERT'S death used to promote Keith Olbermann? Yikes.

JOHNNY DOLLAR has a Russert roundup here

THE ANCHORESS remembers Tim

FOR New England regional talk radio updates, see our other site.


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