First on TVNewser: “Meet the Press” isn’t just getting a new moderator, a new Executive Producer is joining as well.
John Reiss, who has been EP of “Hardball with Chris Matthews” for the last 7 years, has been named acting EP of the show just as Chuck Todd takes over as host. Before MSNBC, Reiss spent two years as EP of “NBC Nightly News.” He’s been with NBC News since 1994, joining as a producer for “Dateline.” Before that, Reiss spent 11 years at ABC News as a writer and producer.
Reiss replaces Rob Yarin who joined the Sunday public affairs show last summer. Yarin will stay on with the MTP, overseeing ongoing projects including its digital presence. On Friday, Betsy Fischer Martin, who spent 11 years as MTP EP, and 23 years in all with NBC, left the company.
More: Details in a note from NBC News SVP Alex Wallace…
All,
We have an exciting week ahead as we prepare for Chuck’s debut as moderator of Meet the Press this Sunday. We’re beginning a new era — and we’re building the foundation together by shaping and defining our new vision.
To lead these efforts day-to-day, John Reiss will serve as acting executive producer. As many of you know, John has been working closely with Chuck and the team over the past several weeks to help get the new MTP off the ground, advising on everything from editorial planning to studio renovations. John is on loan to us from his day job as executive producer of MSNBC’s Hardball, where he has worked for nearly 7 years, following a long career at NBC News, including two years as EP of NBC Nightly News.
Rob Yarin will continue to play a key role with Meet the Press. In addition to overseeing several big MTP-related projects and initiatives we have planned, he will be integral to establishing a 24/7 editorial presence and ramping up our digital strategy. We are grateful for the leadership and expertise both Rob and John bring to the table as we continue to evolve this special program.
Alex