Chuck Todd Announces Departure from NBC News to Pursue New Ventures
Chuck Todd, the former moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” has confirmed his departure from NBC News, revealing that he is leaving to explore new opportunities outside the NBCUniversal umbrella.
Todd announced the move in a memo to NBC staff on Friday, stating that he is eager to dive into new projects that are rapidly transitioning from concepts to tangible ventures. His current contract with NBC News was expected to expire following the 2024 election, according to Variety.
Todd expressed his excitement about his upcoming ventures, emphasizing that the decision to leave was a difficult one after nearly two decades at NBC News.
“There’s never a perfect time to leave a place that’s been a professional home for so long,” Todd wrote, adding that he was “pretty excited about a few new projects that are on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality.’”
He noted that he would take his podcast, the “Chuck Toddcast,” with him as he transitions to a new platform, promising an announcement about its new home soon. Todd also plans to continue offering his insights into politics, using data and history as the foundation for his commentary.
NBC News expressed its gratitude for Todd’s contributions to the network over the years, acknowledging his pivotal role in its political coverage and his dedication to “Meet the Press.”
“We’re grateful for Chuck’s many contributions to our political coverage during his nearly two-decade career at NBC News and for his deep commitment to Meet the Press and its enduring legacy,” the network said in a statement, per Variety. “We wish him all the best in his next endeavors.”
Todd’s departure comes amid a broader trend in the media industry, where traditional TV anchors are increasingly exploring opportunities with digital and new-tech outlets. Earlier this week, TTOA covered that CNN’s Jim Acosta was rumored to be leaving the network to start his own Substack, which he has since confirmed.
Throughout his career at NBC News, Todd demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, launching new initiatives like a podcast and a film festival during his tenure as moderator of “Meet the Press.” He also sought to bring the Sunday program into the digital age, expanding its reach beyond television by incorporating podcasting and online content.
In a 2017 interview with Variety, Todd spoke about the importance of adapting to new forms of media.
“Everyone is trying to figure out how to get in front of millennials,” he told the outlet at the time. “I think the millennial generation learns as much visually as they do the old-fashioned way, by the book.”
As Todd moves forward with his career, he has expressed a commitment to building new media businesses that address the challenges facing the industry, particularly regarding trust between the media and its audience.
“The media has a lot of work to do to win back the trust of viewers/listeners/readers,” Todd said, emphasizing the need for a grassroots approach to rebuild that trust.
He also underscored the importance of local media in restoring credibility, noting that national outlets could not regain the public’s trust without strong partnerships with local outlets.
Todd’s career at NBC News began in 2007, when he joined as political director after a successful 15-year stint at the National Journal. He was named chief White House correspondent in 2008 and later became the host of “Meet the Press” in 2014.
Despite stepping down from the show’s helm in 2023, Todd continued to make appearances on NBC platforms until his recent decision to move on.
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