Tim Russert

Perhaps no other news broadcaster in television history exemplified both toughness and fairness than Tim Russert. For almost two decades, Russert grilled interview subjects on his weekly show, "Meet the Press" (NBC, 1952- ), which became the model by which all other political interview shows followed. With a tenacity and preparedness unequaled by any in the business, Russert took to task politicians, Washington insiders, and even a few presidents over the most pressing issues of the day - whether war, the economy or anything else in between. Aside from his moderating duties, Russert was also an ubiquitous presence during election season, serving as a moderator for debates and as an analyst who had several memorable moments calling election night results. An author whose two novels reached the top of The New York Times bestseller list, Russert earned numerous awards and honorary degrees over the years, including an Emmy in 2005. But it was his bread and butter - "Meet the Press" - that earned his place in broadcasting history, an essential proving ground in the career for any national politician looking to make their mark.