(GoRealNewsNow.com) – One of the mainstream media’s main political talk shows, NBC’s “Meet the Press,” will have a new host after its anchor, Chuck Todd, whom conservatives have never liked, announced he was following through on his promise to step down after nine years on the job.
During Sunday’s edition of the NBC News show, Todd announced it was his last broadcast as host of the program that he described as the “pinnacle of political journalism.”
“After nine years and more than 430 broadcasts, today is my final Sunday in the moderator chair. To say that this has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime is an understatement. This is simply the pinnacle of political journalism and something my younger self never imagined,” the long-time “Meet the Press” host stated.
“I still have had a ‘pinch me, I can’t believe it’ feeling every time I’ve had my name introduced as the moderator on the longest-running show in the history of television,” Todd added.
He announced his replacement would be Kristen Welker, an NBC News White House correspondent until recently.
“As I prepare to pass the baton to the next custodian, it is a privilege to pass it to someone who needs no introduction,” Todd declared, as cited by The Daily Caller.
Welker responded by expressing “eternal gratitude” to him for “investing” in her as a journalist.
“I am ready, Chuck, and I just want to say I am also so thankful and grateful to you for this moment for entrusting me with this monumental, important role,” the new host said.
“I’m ready because you have helped me get ready, Chuck. You brought me to D.C., you taught me just about everything I know about politics,” she added.
Todd’s replacement said her approach to hosting “Meet the Press” would be informed by her experience as a White House reporter covering three administrations.
“I want to be asking those tough questions, and I want to be making you proud, I want to be building on the legacy of this show,” Welker declared.
Todd’s final show featured an interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who denied he hoped to replace President Joe Biden as the Democrats’ presumptive 2024 nominee.