Chuck Todd, the veteran political journalist who helmed NBC’s “Meet the Press” for nearly a decade, has announced his departure from the network after 18 years. In a memo to colleagues on Friday morning, Todd revealed that he’s stepping away from NBC News to pursue new projects that are “on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality.’”
Since passing the “Meet the Press” moderator role to Kristen Welker in 2023, Todd has served as NBC’s chief political analyst. Despite his exit, he assured fans that his popular podcast, “The ChuckToddcast,” isn’t going anywhere—though it will soon find a new home.
NBC News acknowledged Todd’s contributions in a statement, thanking him for his dedication and wishing him well in his next chapter.
Todd’s Legacy and Media Influence
Todd joined NBC News in 2007 as political director and quickly became one of the network’s most recognized figures in political journalism. Beyond his Sunday morning role, he expanded “Meet the Press” into new digital spaces, launching a daily MSNBC show in 2015, a streaming program on NBC News Now in 2020, and even spearheading a “Meet the Press” Film Festival.
His influence remained strong even after stepping down as moderator. In early 2024, Todd was the first NBC personality to publicly criticize the network’s controversial hiring of former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. His remarks ignited a firestorm within MSNBC, leading to a network-wide backlash that ultimately forced NBC to reverse its decision.
A Blunt Take on the Media Landscape
In his farewell memo, Todd didn’t shy away from critiquing the current state of journalism. He called on media professionals to rebuild trust with audiences, emphasizing the importance of local journalism over reliance on social media algorithms.
“The only way to fix this information ecosystem is to stop whining about how social media manipulates the news and instead roll up our collective sleeves and start with local,” he wrote. “National media can’t win trust back without a robust local partner.”
Todd also warned against the growing trend of partisan reporting, cautioning journalists against becoming activists or chasing popularity. “Being a real political journalist isn’t about building a brand,” he stated. “It’s about reporting what’s happening and explaining why.”
A Trend of High-Profile Exits
Todd’s departure is the latest in a string of exits by major TV news personalities. Just this week, CNN’s Jim Acosta announced he was leaving the network, following the recent departures of Chris Wallace and Gloria Borger.
While Todd hasn’t disclosed his next move, his candid take on the media industry and his next venture’s “near reality” status suggest he won’t be stepping away from journalism entirely. His influence on political reporting has been undeniable—now, the question remains: where will he land next?
