TIM RUSSERT {TOM BROKAW, BILL MOYERS, DON IMUS, CONAN O'BRIEN} {SEGMENTS} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of interview programs with a focus on issues facing the media, hosted by journalist Tim Russert. This edition features segments from four different 1997 interviews.
First, Russert chats with "NBC Nightly News" anchor Tom Brokaw, touching upon such topics as: the biggest moments in his 35 years of journalism, including the collapse of Communism; his childhood memories of World War II; the global rise of democracy; the current economic state, including frozen wages for the working classes; why college is no longer an "automatic ticket" into a prosperous career; his sense that the American people are "widely separated" from their government; his mother's thoughts on Social Security and other benefits, compared to her childhood in the Great Depression; his disinterest in pursuing a political career, in part because of the lack of privacy; growing cynicism about the "assumed felonious intent" of political figures; how to decide what stories are worthy of formal coverage, with reference to Gennifer Flowers' press conference about her past with President Clinton; how the "enormous alteration of the social structure" over the past several decades has affected the issues covered on the news; why the country no longer "halts" at 6:30 p.m. to watch the news, as there are now many more outlets and technological options; increased "cross-pollination" between cable outlets and network news programs in the future; his decision to create a scholarship program to honor his thirtieth anniversary at NBC; how becoming a grandfather has changed his life; his plans to remain in the anchorman position for the foreseeable future; and his work on a book about the American Dream.
In the next segment, Russert interviews journalist and former White House Press Secretary Bill Moyers about how the "cacophonous" America is driven not only by economic goals, but a search for larger meaning; why Americans are returning to religious faith, if not necessarily theism; why society must get beyond "just tolerance" and actively learn from others; how studying many other religions has enhanced his Baptist faith; the growing numbers of Muslims and Mormons; the harm of the "killing side" of religion; the rise of the religious right since the election of Ronald Reagan, who actively courted evangelical voters; how network news programs underestimate their audience members by seeking to "titillate, not educate"; his 10-part television series (later also a book) "Genesis: A Living Conversation"; his sense of "growing incivility" in all levels of government; the pros and cons of a democracy in which everyone is (ostensibly) allowed to share their views; the "groundedness" of the Founding Fathers; the many sides and "inner demons" of Lyndon B. Johnson, under whom he served as Press Secretary; his thoughts on Johnson's secret office recordings and why Watergate put an end to such maneuvers by presidents; why political figures no longer write expansive letters or keep diaries, possibly because of a fear of eventual subpoenas; and his upcoming project focusing on the science of addiction, inspired by his son William Cope Moyers' personal struggles.
Next, Russert sits down with "shock jock" Don Imus and discusses the "purpose" of his radio show "Imus in the Morning"; the show's roots in political satire and his thoughts on prominent political reporters (including "nitwit" Brokaw); his semi-rivalry with fellow radio personality Howard Stern and disinterest in seeing his film "Private Parts" (1997), or most other movies; why "Morning" does not attempt to shape or influence listeners' behavior; his sense of personality morality; his hard-hitting interview with Senator John Kerry; his lack of concern about his public image or "contributions" to society; some debate about his actual age and partial ownership of a private airplane; his one-time independent run for Congress, for which he campaigned primarily on the radio and received several hundred write-in votes; his vague interest in his Welsh heritage; his religious views, including his belief in Jesus Christ and in some sort of "karma bank"; his ups and downs with alcoholism, including a stint in rehab, and how sobriety has improved his life; some "free association" about current politicians, including his fondness for President and First Lady Clinton; and his closeness with his family, namely his wife and brother.
Finally, Russert chats with comedian and late-night host Conan O'Brien, touching upon the recent five-year extension for his show "Late Night with Conan O'Brien"; how the show has evolved since its rocky beginning, when viewers weren't thrilled with beloved David Letterman's youthful replacement; his daily routine in crafting and editing the show's stories and jokes; studying American history at Harvard University; his fascination with Abraham Lincoln's many adversities; his grandmother's love of President Kennedy and her experience with early 20th-century anti-Irish sentiments; his lifelong desire to be an entertainer; the origins of his somewhat unusual name; his personal "struggles" with Catholicism; being recognized in Ireland and his thoughts on a unique physical downside to being Irish; his experience writing for "The Simpsons"; how to determine when and when not to make jokes about certain politicians; his worry that current-day youths are insufficiently aware of the historical past; inspiration from Letterman and "King of Late Night" Johnny Carson; and why he has no desire to branch out beyond his talk show into acting or other forms of entertainment. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CNBC
- DATE: November 30, 1999
- RUNNING TIME: 1:31:21
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 107465
- GENRE: Talk/Interview
- SUBJECT HEADING: Talk/Interview; Politics; Journalism; Religion; Alcoholism; Comedians
- SERIES RUN: CNBC - TV series, 1994-2008
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Judith Bishop … Supervising Producer
- Barbara Fant … Producer
- Tim Russert … Host
- For Tom Brokaw segment:
- Jim Gaines … Director
- Tom Brokaw … Guest
- Bill Clinton
- Gennifer Flowers
- For Bill Moyers segment:
- Christine Montagnino … Associate Producer
- Bill Moyers … Guest
- Pookey Preston … Director
- Lyndon B. Johnson
- William Cope Moyers
- Ronald Reagan
- For Don Imus segment:
- Don Imus … Guest
- Bill Clinton
- Hillary Rodham Clinton
- John Kerry
- Howard Stern
- For Conan O'Brien segment:
- James Gaines … Director
- Conan O'Brien … Guest
- Johnny Carson
- John F. Kennedy
- David Letterman
- Abraham Lincoln