Chuck Todd Exits NBC News After 18 Years, Eyes Future in Media Reform

Veteran journalist Chuck Todd has announced his departure from NBC News after an 18-year tenure. In a memo to colleagues, Todd reflected on his journey with the network, stating, “I started as political director in 2007, a month before my son was born and he’ll be graduating high school in a few months. So I guess this means I’ve been here a while.” He expressed excitement about upcoming projects, mentioning plans to continue sharing his reporting and perspectives on politics through his podcast, “The Chuck Toddcast.”

Todd’s career at NBC has been marked by significant roles, including serving as the moderator of “Meet the Press” from 2014 until 2023. He also held positions as the network’s political director and chief White House correspondent. In June 2023, Todd announced he would step down from “Meet the Press” to focus on long-form projects, with Kristen Welker succeeding him as the show’s moderator.

Before his tenure at NBC, Todd was the editor-in-chief of National Journal’s “The Hotline,” where he established himself as an expert on political campaigns. He is also the author of “The Stranger: Barack Obama in the White House” and co-author of “How Barack Obama Won.”

In his departure announcement, Todd emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in the media, suggesting that local journalism could play a pivotal role in this endeavor. He remarked, “The media has a lot of work to do to win back the trust of the public, and national media isn’t the place that’s going to be able to do it.” Todd hinted at future projects focusing on the future of media, particularly at the local level.

NBC News acknowledged Todd’s contributions, stating, “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. We wish him all the best in his next endeavors.”

As Todd embarks on new ventures, he plans to continue his podcast after a brief hiatus, aiming to provide insightful political analysis and maintain his presence in the media landscape.

Chuck Todd’s Profile: A Career in Political Journalism

Chuck Todd has had a distinguished career as a journalist and political analyst, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in American political media. Over nearly two decades at NBC News, Todd shaped political discourse through various high-profile roles.

Early Career

Before joining NBC, Todd honed his expertise at the National Journal’s “The Hotline,” a daily political briefing aimed at insiders. As editor-in-chief, he gained a reputation for his deep understanding of political campaigns and data-driven analysis. His early work cemented his standing as a go-to political strategist and commentator.

NBC News: The Political Voice

In 2007, Todd became NBC’s political director, overseeing election coverage and political strategy. His role expanded in 2008 when he was appointed as the network’s Chief White House Correspondent, covering the Obama administration during critical moments like the economic recovery efforts and healthcare reform.

Todd’s tenure at NBC is most prominently associated with his role as the moderator of Meet the Press, where he served from 2014 to 2023. Under his leadership, the show maintained its position as one of the most influential Sunday political talk programs in America. Known for his direct and sometimes confrontational interviews with politicians, Todd emphasized accountability in public office and sought to provide in-depth analysis of political events.

Podcast and Author

Todd also found success beyond television. His podcast, The Chuck Toddcast, offers long-form political commentary and analysis, providing deeper insights into current events and political trends. Additionally, he is the author of two books: The Stranger: Barack Obama in the White House and How Barack Obama Won (co-authored), which provide insider perspectives on the 2008 and 2012 U.S. elections.

Stepping Away from TV

In June 2023, Todd announced his decision to step down from Meet the Press, citing a desire to focus on long-form journalism and personal projects. Kristen Welker succeeded him as the show’s moderator. Now, in early 2025, Todd has announced his departure from NBC altogether to explore opportunities aimed at restoring public trust in journalism, particularly through projects that emphasize local reporting and media reform.

Todd’s departure comes with a reflection on the challenges facing the media industry, including public skepticism and the need for more community-based news outlets to rebuild credibility. His next chapter will reportedly include continued podcasting, writing, and media innovation initiatives.

Legacy

Chuck Todd’s legacy in journalism is defined by his commitment to holding power accountable and his relentless focus on political facts. Over the years, he has interviewed countless high-profile figures, shaping the national conversation on democracy, governance, and elections. While he departs NBC News, his voice will likely continue to resonate across new platforms as he pursues a vision of reshaping modern journalism.