Now this is worth celebrating!!
Chuck Todd, the longtime talk show moderator of NBC’s Sunday morning show “Meet the Press,” has announced his upcoming departure, The Washington Post reports. Todd has been on “Meet the Press” since 2014 and will now become NBC’s chief political analyst. Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, Todd has announced he will be passing the reins to Kristen Welker, who will make history as the first Black woman host of “Meet the Press.”
“When I took over ‘Meet the Press,’ it was a Sunday show that had a lot of people questioning whether it still could have a place in the modern media space. Well, I think we’ve answered that question and then some…I’ve had the privilege of working with [Kristen] from essentially her first day, and let me just say she’s the right person in the right moment,” said Todd.
Welker has been with NBC News since 2010, working as chief White House correspondent. She moderated the final 2020 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, making history as the youngest solo debate moderator of the presidential election and the only moderator of color. Welker has guest hosted “Meet the Press” on several occasions and serves as co-host for “Meet the Press NOW,” a streaming show that airs at 4pm on weekdays. She took to social media to celebrate Todd and express gratitude for her historic promotion.
“[Chuck Todd] has been a mentor and friend since my first day @NBCNews. I’ve learned so much from sitting with him at the anchor desk and simply experiencing his passion for politics. I’m humbled and grateful to take the baton and continue to build on the legacy of @MeetThePress,” wrote Welker.
.@chucktodd has been a mentor and friend since my first day at @NBCNews. I’ve learned so much from sitting with him at the anchor desk and simply experiencing his passion for politics. I’m humbled and grateful to take the baton and continue to build on the legacy of @MeetThePress
advertisement— Kristen Welker (@kwelkernbc) June 4, 2023
The Sunday news show has been on air since 1947, spearheaded by its first host, Martha Rountree, the AP News reports. It gained popularity during the ‘90s and early 2000s under the leadership of host Tim Russert who moderated from 1991 until his death in 2008. Tom Brokaw has served as host as well as David Gregory before Todd took the lead. In addition to becoming the first Black moderator, Welker will also be the first woman host since Rountree’s departure in 1953.
She is set to step into her new role this September. Congratulations Kristen!
Cover photo: Kristen Welker makes history as first Black woman host of NBC’s “Meet the Press”/Photo Courtesy of NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images