CNN’s Brian Stelter reports that an official announcement on Chuck Todd’s new role as moderator of “Meet the Press” could come as early as this afternoon:
The sources confirmed widespread speculation that David Gregory, who moderated the show for the past six years, will be replaced by Todd, and is expected to leave NBC.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the record. One said that the transition will be swift — so swift that Gregory will not even host “Meet the Press” this weekend.
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>Update, 4:50 p.m.: It’s Official: Chuck Todd Named Host of “Meet the Press”
News of the switch was first reported in Politico Playbook Monday. In his report, Stelter said the change will be announced “no later than Friday.”
As recently as April, NBC News president Deborah Turness called rumors of Gregory’s ouster “vindictive, personal and above all – untrue.” “NBC News is proud to have David in the important anchor chair of Meet the Press. He is passionate about politics, and is committed to getting answers for our viewers on the issues that matter to them the most,” she wrote in an April 24 memo to staff. Gregory’s most recent deal with NBC News was signed in February 2013.
Todd appeared on the “Meet the Press” roundtable Sunday before leaving for vacation. Luke Russert and Chris Cillizza have filled in on Todd’s 9 a.m. MSNBC hour, “The Daily Rundown,” this week. Todd was scheduled to travel to Martha’s Vineyard next week for the second half of President Obama’s vacation.
An NBC News spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.