Whitaker named NBC Washington bureau chief

WASHINGTON - NBC News announced Monday that Mark Whitaker has been named the new Washington bureau chief.

The position had been vacant since Tim Russert's death in June at the age of 58.

Whitaker had recently been serving as senior vice president of NBC News in New York.

His day-to-day responsibilities will include executive oversight of "Meet the Press" and the network's election and political coverage.

NBC also said Whitaker will make occasional appearances as an on-air analyst. Additionally, he will continue on with his senior vice president duties.

"Mark's got all of the components that will assure his success — a commitment to journalistic integrity, political savvy, a keen eye for the future and a management style that is inclusive and fair," NBC News President Steve Capus said in a statement. "He is exactly what the bureau needs."

Prior to joining NBC News, Whitaker served as editor of Newsweek from 1998 to 2006. He also oversaw the growth of Newsweek's web site, which is partnered with msnbc.com.

(Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

"I am honored and humbled to succeed Tim, whose commitment to journalism without fear or favor is a beacon for us all," said Whitaker in a statement. "And I am thrilled to get to work with our unparalleled team of NBC reporters and producers in Washington."

From 2006 until 2007, Whitaker served as vice president and editor-in-chief of new ventures at Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, creating online projects for Newsweek's parent, The Washington Post Co.

Whitaker will manage the Washington bureau's daily operations, working closely with Wendy Wilkinson and Brady Daniels, who serve as deputy chiefs.

He will also work alongside Chuck Todd, NBC's political director.

Whitaker assumes his duties immediately.

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