NBC tries to ‘Press’ ahead

“NBC Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams will host “Meet the Press” this Sunday as the network ponders how to replace moderator Tim Russert on a permanent basis.

After nearly a week of mourning the loss of Russert, who died of a heart attack June 13 in NBC’s Washington bureau, the network news division began to focus on the difficult task of identifying his successor. Along with hosting “Meet the Press,” the 58-year-old served as NBC’s Washington bureau chief and to-go political analyst.

“Tim is truly irreplaceable, and there’s no single person who can step in and do all this,” said NBC News President Steve Capus, who said he hasn’t made any plans for “Meet the Press” beyond this week.

“I don’t think you can go long without having someone step in and take on those responsibilities,” he added, but called the prospect of contemplating Russert’s replacement this week “just too daunting.”

Sens. Lindsey Graham and Joe Biden, who were scheduled to be on “Meet the Press” last weekend, will be the guests Sunday.