NBC Mourns Death of Tim Russert

Tim RussertTim Russert, who made "Meet the Press" must-see new viewing, died Friday of a heart attack in Washington. The NBC Washington bureau chief was 58.

Russert, who moderated political debates and appeared on other network shows, including "Hardball," wrote two best-selling books. Tim Russert's "Meet the Press" has been not only been the best-rated, most-watched of the network's Sunday news magazine shows, but also a model of consistency. Analysts say in a broadcast ratings world full of much viewer erosion, that's a good track record.

From September to June of this year, "Meet the Press" earned a 1.4 rating against ABC's "This Week" at a 1.0 rating and CBS' "Face The Nation" at a 0.9. This translates into an average 3.91 million viewers for "Meet the Press" and 2.74 million viewers for "This Week" and 2.65 million for "Face The Nation."

Since the 2004-2005 season, "Meet the Press" ratings have been virtually steady: a 1.4, a 1.4, a 1.3, and this year a 1.4.

From 1991, when Russert took over as host of "Meet the Press," the show grew from 2.6 million viewers to a high of 4.45 million 10 years later in the 2001-2002 season.

Russert is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, and a son.

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