In a surprising announcement during Sunday’s broadcast, Chuck Todd, the well-known moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press, revealed that he will be stepping down from his position after an impressive nine-year tenure. The 51-year-old journalist cited his desire to prioritize his personal life and give someone else the opportunity to take the helm as the motivation behind his decision.

“I’ve witnessed too many loved ones lose themselves to work, and I made a promise to my family that I wouldn’t let that happen to me. It’s time for me to take a step back,” Todd shared. However, he expressed his confidence in his colleague, Kristen Welker, who is currently a White House correspondent for NBC and will be taking over as the new moderator of Meet the Press.

For Todd, passing the baton to Welker is a fitting end to his time on the show. He expressed, “I’ve always hoped that it would end this way, with me passing the baton to her. I have complete trust in her abilities.” Todd may be leaving his role as the moderator, but he won’t be leaving the political scene altogether. He intends to stay with NBC and lend his expertise to guide and support his colleagues during the upcoming 2024 campaign season and beyond.

Welker’s appointment as the new moderator of Meet the Press is groundbreaking. Not only will she be taking on this influential role, but she will also be the first Black moderator of the show and the first woman to host since Martha Rountree in 1953. This milestone reflects the increasing diversity and inclusion in the media industry, marking a positive step forward.

The news of Chuck Todd’s departure and Kristen Welker’s upcoming role has generated excitement and curiosity among viewers. People are eager to see what Welker will bring to the table and how she will navigate the dynamic landscape of political journalism. Despite Todd’s absence, his continued presence behind the scenes ensures that his expertise and influence will still be felt during this new era for Meet the Press.