News Anchor and Author Tom Brokaw to Speak at National Press Club

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Oct 11, 2011, 04:18 ET

Former NBC Nightly News anchor discusses the state of political debate in America and his new book, Nov. 3

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tom Brokaw, the former NBC anchor and a book author, will discuss the decline of civil discourse and the coarsening of debate in American politics at a National Press Club luncheon on Nov. 3.

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His latest book, "The Time of Our Lives," examines the "Past, Present and Promise" of America, and offers ideas for fostering a better future for the country.

Mr. Brokaw covered 11 Presidential elections at NBC; the Watergate scandal; the terrorist attacks of 2001 and decades of action on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

His 1998 blockbuster, "The Greatest Generation," chronicled how Americans survived a terrible financial depression and nearly crippling unemployment only to pull itself together to win World War II. He has questioned whether the current generation is as unified, or is stuck in political stalemate.

"Everywhere I go - from Main Street to Wall Street - people ask, 'What's happened to our political system? Why can't Washington folks work together?'" Tom Brokaw said. "I've been doing this line of work for more than 40 years - and I think they're right: it's never been worse."

Though he has spoken with awe about the generation that defeated the Nazis and came home to pursue the American dream, he has been less complimentary about the Baby Boomers and the lack of teamwork among the nation's current political leaders.

Mr. Brokaw, a native of South Dakota, graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in political science. He joined NBC News in 1966 as a reporter, and later hosted Today Show. In 1983 he became the anchor and managing editor of The Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, where he remained until 2005. He continues to report on special news events and produce documentaries for NBC and other outlets.

Some 8 million copies of his books are in print, including "The Greatest Generation Speaks," "An Album of Memories," "A Long Way from Home," and the bestseller "Boom!" a retrospective on the turbulent 1960's.

This summer he hosted "Boys in the Hall," a weekly series about baseball and its role in American culture on Fox Sports Networks.

Mr. Brokaw has won every major award in broadcast journalism, including the Peabody Award for his report "To Be An American," two duPont-Columbia University awards, and seven Emmys including one for lifetime achievement. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Committee to Protect Journalists.

"The Time of Our Lives" will be available for purchase and signing by Mr. Brokaw after the event, but no outside books are allowed.

The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or [email protected] The cost of luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $29 for their guests, and $36 for the general public. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at facebook.com/PressClubDC and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type BROKAW in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event.

About The National Press Club The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,400 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

SOURCE National Press Club