Chuck Todd, a longtime political reporter for NBC and a fixture in Washington, D.C., led the network’s well-liked Sunday political news program “Meet the Press” for the final time on Sunday, capping a nine-year tenure in that role.
Todd made the decision to leave his position as the news program’s host, which he has held since 2014, in July.
Kristen Welker, the network’s chief White House correspondent and co-anchor, who has worked there since 2010, will take his position.
About “Meet the Press”
With 75 years under its belt, “Meet the Press” is the longest-running program on American television.
For more than eight years, it has outperformed its competitors in terms of overall viewership. Under Todd, it received its first Emmy for a special report on “Schools, America, and Race.”
Todd oversaw the program during some of the most important political moments of the previous ten years, including the latter years of President Barack Obama’s term, the 2016 election of Donald Trump, and the events that followed the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Is Chuck Todd still on Meet the Press?
Chuck Todd, presenter and moderator of “Meet the Press,” revealed on Sunday that he will leave his position at the public affairs talk show this year after nine years. Kristen Welker, co-chief White House correspondent for NBC News, will succeed him.
“It’s been an incredible nearly ten-year run. During the broadcast on Sunday, Todd said,
“I am so proud of what this team and I have accomplished over the last ten years. I have adored this position so significantly, aiding in the explanation of America to Washington and America to Washington.”
He intends to stay with NBC in a new position as chief political commentator, where he will be a vital contributor to coverage of important events and in the field. He’ll also focus on long-form journalism.
“Meet the Press” was a Sunday program when Todd took over, and many people questioned whether it still belonged in contemporary media. Well, I believe we have more than adequately addressed that question.
President of editorial at NBC News Rebecca Blumenstein and senior vice president of politics Carrie Budoff Brown praised “Chuck’s thoughtful and passionate leadership” in a memo to team members.
Who would replace Todd?
Kristen Welker joins the group of hosts, including Tim Russert, who oversaw the program from 1991 until his passing in 2008.
She is the first Black journalist to moderate “Meet the Press” and only the second woman to do so after its founding host, Martha Rountree.
Welker takes over Todd.
Welker will take over the program as the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies and prepares to enter the primary season.
The Republican National Committee confirmed this week that the first Republican debate would occur on August 23.
Welker has frequently replaced Todd on “Meet the Press.” Todd said he was prepared to move aside during the Sunday broadcast because Welker has “been ready for this for a long time.”
She’s the right person at the right time. He added that I’ve had the luxury of working with her from pretty much her first day.
After joining NBC News in 2010, Welker established himself as a regular in the White House briefing area.
She has covered each of the previous three presidential elections, gone on international trips with influential politicians, and moderated the final 2020 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Vice President Joe Biden.
