From AP:

“He’s one of the rookies of the year,” said NBC News President Steve Capus. “Here’s a man at the worst possible time in his life who stepped into the spotlight with great poise, strength and a sense of humor, with a love of politics and a love for NBC.”

Would a young man at his age and with his credentials secure such a high-profile job if his last name wasn’t Russert? Doubtful, of course. But NBC News might be expected to act paternally toward a person its employees watched grow by the side of its beloved Washington bureau chief and “Meet the Press” host. …

“The last thing I want to do is appear not qualified, to appear that it was just a nepotism hire, to appear that everything was just handed to (me),” he said. “I certainly acknowledge that the last name doesn’t hurt. But at the end of the day I don’t think a company like XM or NBC would be willing to spend money on me just for the sake of nepotism. I actually have to produce.”