Chuck Todd leaving NBC political panel show ‘Meet the Press’
After close to 10 years of moderating NBC’s political panel show “Meet the Press,” Chuck Todd has announced that he will be stepping down from his role to be replaced by Kristen Welker. Todd, 51, explained to viewers that he had watched too many friends and family members become consumed by their work and promised his family he wouldn’t let that happen to him. Todd has been a target of criticism during a polarized time in America, and rumors of his departure began swirling when the executive producer was reassigned last summer. While it is unclear when his last show will be, Todd assured viewers that this summer would be his final one.
Kristen Welker, a former White House correspondent and Todd’s chief fill-in for the past three years, will be taking over his position. NBC News president of editorial, Rebecca Blumenstein, announced her elevation and has praised her sharp questioning of lawmakers calling it “a masterclass in political interviews.” Welker drew praise for moderating the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in 2020. As for Todd, he expressed pride in expanding “Meet the Press’s” brand to include a daily show, podcasts, and even a film festival, and thanked his supporters while brushing off his critics in his farewell.
FAQs:
Who is replacing Chuck Todd on “Meet the Press”?
Kristen Welker, an NBC News correspondent and former White House correspondent, will be taking over Chuck Todd’s position as moderator of “Meet the Press.”
Why is Chuck Todd stepping down?
Chuck Todd has explained that he’s watched too many friends and family members become consumed by their work and promised his family he wouldn’t let that happen to him.
When is Chuck Todd leaving “Meet the Press”?
While it is unclear when Chuck Todd’s last show will be, he has assured viewers that this summer would be his final one.
Who led “Meet the Press” before Chuck Todd?
“Meet the Press” has been airing since 1947, originally led by inventor and first host Martha Rountree. Its peak came in the years that Tim Russert moderated, from 1991 until his death in 2008, with its footing less certain since then. Tom Brokaw briefly filled in after Russert’s death, and David Gregory replaced him until being forced out in favor of Todd.
Chuck Todd departs from NBC’s political panel program “Meet the Press”
After nearly a decade of moderating the NBC political panel show “Meet the Press,” Chuck Todd has announced he will be stepping down. In his place, Kristen Welker, a former chief White House correspondent, will be taking over in the coming months. Todd, who has been a target of criticism during a highly polarized time, stated that he wants to spend more time with his family and avoid letting work consume him. While the exact date of Todd’s final show is unclear, he did say that this would be his final summer. Todd’s replacement, Welker, is considered a skilled interviewer and recently gained praise for moderating the final presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden in 2020. “Meet the Press” has been on the air since 1947, and Todd took over from David Gregory after the death of Tim Russert, who had moderated the show from 1991 until 2008. Todd expanded the “Meet the Press” brand to a daily show on MSNBC, streaming, podcasts, newsletters, and even a film festival. Despite his accomplishments, Todd acknowledged his critics and stated that his goal was always to make viewers think and challenge their opinions.