Longtime NBC News political analyst and former "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd has announced his departure from the network. In a podcast statement, Todd revealed his exit, citing his pursuit of new ventures and a desire to address the media's credibility crisis.
Todd's departure comes after 18 years at NBC News, where he held a central role in political coverage. He was replaced as "Meet the Press" moderator by Kristen Welker in 2023 after a nine-year tenure. While he indicated his exit is slightly earlier than planned, he expressed enthusiasm for upcoming projects, including relocating his podcast to a new platform following a brief hiatus.
An NBC News spokesperson expressed gratitude for Todd's contributions to the network's political reporting, acknowledging his dedication to "Meet the Press." Todd has been open about his belief that rebuilding trust in media is crucial, suggesting national outlets face a greater challenge in this area compared to local news sources. He argued that local media's focus on immediate, verifiable information fosters greater trust among audiences. Todd emphasized the importance of truthfulness and objectivity in journalism, criticizing the prevalence of activism within the field.
In recent months, Todd has been vocal in his critiques of media leadership, including his former employers at NBC. He expressed his disagreement with NBC's brief hiring of former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel as an analyst, questioning the network's decision-making. He also criticized ABC News for settling a lawsuit with then-President-elect Donald Trump, suggesting it set a damaging precedent for media organizations.
Todd concluded his podcast announcement by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work at NBC News, acknowledging the legacy of prominent journalists who preceded him.
