NBCChanges are in store on Meet the Press!
NBC announced today that David Gregory is leaving the network after 20 years and will be replaced by NBC News' White House Correspondent Chuck Todd as host of the weekly political show.
Deborah Turness, president of NBC News, released a statement in regards to Gregory's departure on Thursday, thanking the 43-year-old TV personality for his dedication to the program, on which he served as moderator for the nearly six years after replacing the late, great Tim Russett in 2008.
"Under his [Gregory's] leadership the show has had a string of exclusives, and David has shown a remarkable gift for holding leaders to account and getting answers on issues that matter to our audience," Turness said. "He is an outstanding journalist whose sharp intellect and quick sense of humor have made him a pleasure to work with. I know you all join me in expressing our deepest gratitude and in wishing him the very best."
Gregory also addressed his decision to leave the network on Twitter, writing, "I leave NBC as I came - humbled and grateful. I love journalism and serving as moderator of MTP was the highest honor there is."
He added: "I have great respect for my colleagues at NBC News and wish them all well. To the viewers, I say thank you."
Additionally, Turness also announced that Todd will fill Gregory's hosting shoes beginning September 7.
"There is no one with a bigger passion for politics than Chuck," she said. "His unique ability to deliver that passion with razor sharp analysis and infectious enthusiasm makes him the perfect next generation moderator of this beloved broadcast. Chuck will ensure that Meet the Press is the beating heart of politics, the place where newsmakers come to make news, where the agenda is set."
She added that Todd "will continue as NBC News political director, and will hand over his roles as chief White House correspondent and anchor of MSNBC's The Daily Rundown."
In the meantime, "Andrea Mitchell will serve as moderator of Meet the Press this weekend, and will continue to be a central figure of the broadcast," according to Turness.
The network is also expected to announce some new names to be added to the MTP roster in the "coming days."
Meet the Press, which first aired in 1947, is America's longest-running television program. To date, the show has been hosted by 11 moderators.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)