NBC's Brokaw picked to moderate "Meet the Press"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - NBC News picked veteran Tom Brokaw to moderate "Meet the Press" through the 2008 U.S. election season, NBC News President Steve Capus said on Sunday.

Tim Russert, the longtime host of the Sunday morning news program who was known for his interviews of leading U.S. political figures, died of a heart attack on June 13. He was also the television network's Washington bureau chief.

Brokaw, 68, a well-known and respected figure in U.S. broadcast journalism, stepped down as anchor of the "NBC Nightly News" in 2004 after 21 years.

"To have someone of Tom's stature step up and dedicate himself to ensuring its ongoing success is not only a testament to his loyalty to Tim, but his enduring commitment to NBC News and our viewers," Capus said in a statement.

(Reporting by Nancy Waitz)