Kristen Welker joins “Meet The Press” as first Black host

A seismic shakeup is coming to NBC News this fall as their flagship Sunday political talk show, “Meet the Press,” gears up to welcome a new face at the helm. In September, Kristen Welker, the network’s top-tier White House correspondent, is set to slide into Chuck Todd’s seat, stepping up as the network’s chief political analyst.

At 46, Welker is poised to make some serious history. She’ll be the first Black journalist, and only the second woman to take the reins of the show. A veteran of NBC News in Washington since 2011, Welker’s been playing understudy to Todd for the last three years. Plus, she’s had a stint co-hosting “Meet the Press NOW,” a spin-off show on NBC News NOW, the network’s internet streaming platform.

Welker’s performance in the hot seat moderating the final 2020 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden earned her rave reviews. “Her sharp questioning of lawmakers is a masterclass in political interviews,” NBC News president of editorial, Rebecca Blumenstein, stated in the memo announcing Welker’s new role.

Taking to Twitter to share her reaction, Welker expressed her gratitude and excitement, “I’m humbled and grateful to take the baton and continue to build on the legacy of ‘Meet The Press’.” She gave a shout-out to Todd, praising him as a friend and mentor since her early days at NBC.

“Meet The Press,” a constant in the TV landscape since 1947, was the brainchild of Martha Rountree, who also served as its first host, reports The Associated Press. It hit its stride under the stewardship of Tim Russert from 1991 until his death in 2008. After Russert’s passing, a brief stint by Tom Brokaw paved the way for David Gregory, who eventually handed over the baton to Todd in 2014.

Departing host Todd reflected on the need for timely change at the top. “The key to the survival of any of these media entities, including here at Meet the Press, is for leaders to not overstay their welcome,” he said. He expressed his confidence in his successor, stating that Welker was ready and the “right person in the right moment”. He looks forward to officially passing the baton to her in September.