Tim Russert was born in Buffalo, NY on May 7, 1950. He earned a B.A. degree from John Carroll University and a Juris Doctor from the Cleveland State University Cleveland–Marshall College of Law.
Before becoming a television journalist he was the chief of staff for New York Senator Daniel Moynihan. In 1989 he became NBC News' Washington bureau the chief. He is best known as the host of the long running political television show:Meet the Press with Tim Russert, from 1991 until his death in 2008.
Tim Russert is the author of two best selling books: his autobiography, Big Russ and Me and Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons.
In 2008, he was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008. Wikipedia list the following awards given to Tim Russert: Link
During his career, Russert received 48 honorary doctorates and won several awards for excellence in journalism:
Paul White Award from the Radio-Television News
Directors Association (2009)
John Peter Zenger Freedom of the Press Award
American Legion Journalism Award
Veterans of Foreign Wars News Media Award
Congressional Medal of Honor Society Journalism Award
Allen H. Neuharth Award for Excellence in Journalism
David Brinkley Award for Excellence in Communication
Catholic Academy for Communication's Gabriel Award
2005 Emmy Award for coverage of the funeral of former President Ronald Reagan.
2005 Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement