New York - UPI
Chuck Todd is taking the place of David Gregory as host of Sunday morning political talk show Meet the Press, NBC announced.
Gregory was host of the show for nearly six years after the death of longtime host Tim Russert in 2008.
NBC News President Deborah Turness issued a statement Thursday thanking Gregory for his years on the series and the network. He is leaving NBC entirely.
"Under his leadership the show has had a string of exclusives, and David has shown a remarkable gift for holding leaders to account and getting answers on issues that matter to our audience," she said. "He is an outstanding journalist whose sharp intellect and quick sense of humor have made him a pleasure to work with. I know you all join me in expressing our deepest gratitude and in wishing him the very best."
Todd is the NBC News political director and current host of The Daily Rundown on MSNBC. He is scheduled to take over Meet the Press hosting duties — the 11th person to hold that position — Sept. 7.
"There is no one with a bigger passion for politics than Chuck," Turness said. "His unique ability to deliver that passion with razor sharp analysis and infectious enthusiasm makes him the perfect next generation moderator of this beloved broadcast. Chuck will ensure that Meet the Press is the beating heart of politics, the place where newsmakers come to make news, where the agenda is set. We have some exciting plans to evolve and update the broadcast under Chuck's leadership that we will be sharing with you shortly."