Mark Whitaker Named NBC News D.C. Bureu Chief

Mark Whitaker, senior vp at NBC News, was named NBC News D.C. bureau chief, filling the post previously occupied by Tim Russert, who died of a heart attack in June, reports Mediaweek.

Posted by Mark Pasetsky

TIM RUSSERT’S WIFE: ‘WE’RE DOING GREAT’

In an interview on Today, Maureen Orth, widow of Tim Russert, said “we’re doing great,” crediting both NBC and devoted fans of Tim for all of their kind words and support.

It is unfortunate that the Russert family lost such a huge part of themselves, but at the same time it is encouraging to know that there are so many genuinely good people out there who do care and are willing to support others in their time of need.

Posted by Michael Canterino

LUKE RUSSERT TO BE ON NBC?

Luke Russert apparently made such a good impression on viewers in the days after his father’s funeral that NBC is reportedly tapping him to be part of their election coverage team.

BAD TIMING FOR NEWSMAX TIM RUSSERT MAGAZINE COVER

“Just as news broke of Tim Russert’s sudden death, Newsmax magazine’s July 2008 cover story was hitting newsstands — featuring Tim Russert on its cover,” according to the magazine’s web site.

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PEOPLE SHOWS WHY IT’S NUMBER ONE

I saved the best & saddest cover for last.

Yesterday, People broke the news that Heather Locklear was headed to rehab for anxiety and depression.

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GLOBE CORNERS SENIOR CITIZEN MARKET

You really can’t compare the Globe to the other weeklies or even the National Enquirer.

This is clearly the magazine tailor made for retirees (and some Gay men - see Golden Girls‘ inset.)

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TOM BROKAW TO HOST MEET THE PRESS

(Image via Splash)

Some good news for NBC.

They’ve got some time in terms of announcing a permanent host for Meet the Press.

Tom Brokaw, former anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” would fill the role as moderator for Meet the Press for the rest of this election year, reports the New York Times.

“I volunteered,” Tom Brokaw, told the NY Times.

“It was really not a hard call for me to make,” Brokaw said.

He had already planned to be heavily involved in NBC’s political coverage, he said, and was up to date on the program, having held regular conversations with Tim Russert.

“We would talk almost every Sunday after the show,” Brokaw said. “I’d say, that worked or that didn’t. We’d talk about guests. We had just been saying that using surrogates for the candidates really did work.”

MOST READ: TIM RUSSERT’S WIFE OPENS UP ABOUT HIS DEATH

This is kinda scary.

When Tim Russert’s wife Maureen Orth said goodbye to Tim on their trip to Italy she told him, “I said to him ‘I want to give you a hug: maybe I’ll never see you again…I don’t know why I said that to him. I just had a feeling.”

On why people were drawn to Tim Russert, Maureen tells People it was “because he was so comfortable in his own skin. I’d always say to him, ‘Why don’t you buy a really nice suit?’ and he’d say, ‘That’s not me.’

Related: Pasetsky’s Celebrity Weekly Cover Critiques

Life & Style: Britney’s Suicide Drama

National Enquirer: Kirstey Alley Collapses

Globe: Bill Clinton One Year to Live

TV Guide: Denise Richards

Star Magazine: Angelina Jolie Scared

In Touch: Brad & Angelina Crisis at Home

OK: Brad & Angie Adopting a Boy

US: Barack Obama & Michelle Obama

People: Tim Russert

OBAMA, RUSSERT, ANGELINA, & MORE…

BEST & WORST OF THIS WEEK’S CELEBRITY WEEKLIES

Before hitting the newsstand, read Pasetsky’s highlights:

US - Why Barack Loves Michelle

In Touch: Dr. Drew Pinsky wonders if Angelina Jolie is on drugs

People: Tim Russert’s wife says…

Star: Why Angelina is scared

OK: Brad & Angie Adopting a Boy

TV Guide: Denise Richards - whatever

VIDEO: LUKE RUSSERT REMEMBERS HIS DAD TIM RUSSERT

“My dad was my best friend,” Luke Russert said, his voice strong and clear. “To explain my bond with my father is utterly impossible to put into words.”