NBC News executives, still reeling from the sudden death of Tim Russert on Friday, have yet to begin to grapple with the long-term question of who might replace him in his most visible role, as moderator of "Meet the Press." But they have decided that Brian Williams, anchor of "NBC Nightly News," will take Mr. Russert's place this Sunday, according to Allison Gollust, an NBC News spokeswoman. Mr. Williams recently returned from Afghanistan and is being replaced on "Nightly News" for the remainder of the week by Ann Curry. Last Sunday, two days after Mr. Russert's death, a special edition of "Meet the Press" was led by Tom Brokaw. Mr. Williams's guests will be Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Joseph Biden of Delaware, who were to have been Mr. Russert's guests last Sunday.

Image Tim Russert and Brian Williams moderating the Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate in Las Vegas on January 15. Credit... Paul Drinkwater/MSNBC