Chuck Todd leaving NBC political panel show ‘Meet the Press’ and being replaced by Kristen Welker

Chuck Todd confirmed his imminent departure from NBC’s political talk show “Meet the Press,” where he served as a moderator for nearly a decade, on Sunday. Kristen Welker is set to take over the position in the upcoming months.

At 51, Todd explained his decision, citing a desire not to let his job overpower his personal life, a plight he had observed in many friends and family members.

Todd has faced significant online backlash, including from Donald Trump, during this polarized era. Although there were speculations about his tenure on the show coming to an end when the executive producer was transferred last summer, NBC maintained that Todd’s decision to leave was personal. Todd’s final appearance on the show is yet to be determined, but he informed viewers that this summer would be his last.

“I depart with worries about the current historical moment but take solace in the high standards we’ve maintained here,” stated Todd. “We have no room for propagandists, and this network and program never will.”

Welker, the previous chief White House correspondent, joined NBC News in Washington in 2011 and has been standing in for Todd for the past three years. She was lauded for her handling of the final 2020 presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.

Rebecca Blumenstein, NBC News president of editorial, announced Welker’s promotion on Sunday, describing her ability to grill lawmakers as a “masterclass in political interviews.”

At 46, Welker is preparing to helm the show amidst another likely contentious presidential election cycle.

“Meet the Press” first aired in 1947, with Martha Rountree, the show’s creator, as its inaugural host. The show’s pinnacle was during Tim Russert’s tenure from 1991 to his death in 2008. It has seen interim hosts, including Tom Brokaw and David Gregory, until Todd took over.

Welker will be making history as the first Black moderator and the first female moderator of “Meet the Press” since Rountree’s departure in 1953.

Todd expressed pride in the expansion of the “Meet the Press” brand to a daily show, which initially aired on MSNBC and then transitioned to streaming. It also branched out to podcasts, newsletters, and even a film festival.

Blumenstein praised Todd for transforming the brand into a “vital modern-day franchise,” keeping “Meet the Press” at the forefront of political conversation.

Despite criticism on social media and disparaging remarks from Trump, Todd remained resilient. His handling of an interview even led to a roast by Trevor Noah at the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Addressing his detractors during his exit announcement, Todd stated, “If you’re doing this job for popularity, you’re doing it wrong.” He views partisan criticisms as compliments and takes genuine praises with skepticism when they come from partisans.

He believes the show’s objective is to provoke thought, incite anger, and elicit both approval and disapproval from viewers.

According to the Nielsen ratings company, in the recently concluded television season, “Meet the Press” ranked third in viewership behind CBS’ “Face the Nation” and ABC’s “This Week,” with each show averaging between 2.5 million and 2.9 million viewers.