Have You Seen This? Tom Brokaw’s pure professionalism

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NEW YORK — Tom Brokaw started his broadcast career in 1966 and has since become a fixture in American news.

Beyond championing “The Greatest Generation,” he’s hosted “The Today Show,” “NBC Nightly News” and “Meet the Press” in his long career. Brokaw still serves as a special correspondent for NBC, which is exactly what he was doing Tuesday night during the nation’s midterm elections when his years of professionalism came into play.

First let’s acknowledge that live news is a risky business, whether a reporter has to contend with nature and the elements or his own flubs. You just can’t control everything, no matter how much you plan.

That being said, probably the most embarrassing are the flubs that should in theory be 100 percent under your control … unless you’re a seasoned pro with a sense of humor.

During a live bit, Brokaw is commenting on the hopes and dreams of Republicans when a blaring alarm begins to sound. Rachel Maddow and Chris Matthews are proving professional themselves as they try to concentrate on Brokaw’s commentary — until the truth comes out.

After he finishes his sentence, Brokaw admits that the alarm is his phone going off on live TV. While forgetting to turn off your phone is a rookie mistake, Brokaw turns off the alarm then quickly pretends it’s a domestic call reminding him to pick up groceries and feed the dog. It’s a charming recovery that both acknowledges the mistake and helps the reports move quickly on.

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Have You Seen This?
Martha Ostergar

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