Luke Russert attends Boston College and is a co-host on the XM Satellite Radio show "60/20 Sports"
What is the name and purpose of your radio show?
The name of my show is “60/20 Sports” with Luke Russert and James Carville on XMSports Nation, Channel 144. It airs Friday at 9am, with replays at 3, 7 and 11pm. The purpose of the show is provide the audience an in-depth cultural look at sports as they relate to the ages of the hosts, i.e. someone in their sixties will most likely have a different opinion than someone in their twenties.
How did it get started?
My radio partner James Carville and I are season ticket holders for the WashingtonWizards (NBA) and Washington Nationals (MLB). During games we would sit next to each other and engage in endless debates about all things sports. Sometimes other peoplein our section would listen and chime in. One day somebody suggested we do a TV show seeing that our debates were so intense and interesting. We liked the idea and pitched aTV show. However, we realized that a radio show would work a lot better with our crazy schedules. XM Satellite Radio liked our idea and after a rigorous audition process and training, we were aired on March 17th, 2006.
Where is it based?
Officially the show is based out of the XM studios located in Washington D.C. However, most of the time I am in Boston and use a Comrex/ISDN device. This works through a phone line which allows me to do the show from anywhere in the United States and sound as if I am in the same room as my partner. Often times, when James is on the road, he will work from a number of different satellite studios.
What are your goals with the show?
First and foremost, my goal is to extend my contract and get resigned to XM Radio.James and I signed a two year deal which runs through March of 2008 and we would love to continue doing our show. My second goal, post-college, is to get a show on television. Thirdly, my goal is to do everything in my power to make XM Sports Nation the top sports satellite radio channel.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I’d like to attend graduate school and obtain a masters degree in international relations. However, in five years I believe I’ll most likely be doing something media related.
What motivates you?
My greatest motivation comes from my family. My father is Tim Russert of NBC’s “Meet thePress” so no matter what I do, I will always be “the son of Tim.” I am fine with that and there is no doubt it has helped me get my foot in the door. But, I want people to make me work and believe in what I have to contribute. One could say I am constantly motivated to prove those wrong who view me as an unqualified stripling put in place by the powers of nepotism.
What is a typical work day like?
Since my show is only aired once a week, I only tape once a week in a three hour time block. I do not necessarily have a typical “work day.” However, every day I spend two hours scouring over the internet looking for possible sports topics that James and I could debate on. In order to reinvent ourselves and sound fresh and exciting “60/20” needs to discuss stories that do not make it to ESPN. We do our best to go beyond more than just the score.
How do you achieve the balance between school and work?
Time management is key. As soon as I get my class schedule, I write out all the due dates of papers and exams on one sheet of paper. From there on, I work with my producer to avoid taping any time when I might have a heavy workload. Also, I go out of my way to never to miss a class. It’s not always easy managing both, but with a little will power and hard work it is manageable.
