Chuck Todd Announces Departure from NBC News After Nearly Two Decades

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chuck Todd, NBC News‘ chief political analyst and former moderator of “Meet the Press,” announced his departure from the network Friday after nearly two decades. The veteran journalist shared the news in a memo to staff, hinting at new projects on the horizon.

“There’s never a perfect time to leave a place that’s been a professional home for so long, but I’m pretty excited about a few new projects that are on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality,'” Todd wrote in the memo obtained by USA TODAY. He added that his podcast, “ChuckToddcast,” will continue under a new platform, with details to be announced soon.

Todd, who joined NBC News in 2007 as political director, became the moderator of “Meet the Press” in 2014. He stepped down from the role in September 2023, passing the baton to his successor. Reflecting on his tenure, Todd called it “the honor of my professional life.”

In his memo, Todd emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in journalism. “National media can’t win trust back without having a robust partner locally,” he wrote. “People are craving community, and that’s something national media or the major social media companies can’t do as well as local media.”

Todd also addressed the challenges facing political journalism, stating, “Being a real political journalist isn’t about building a brand, it’s about reporting what’s happening and explaining why it’s happening.” He warned against the dangers of propaganda and the need for journalists to remain grounded in facts.

NBC News praised Todd’s contributions in a statement to USA TODAY, saying, “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.”

Todd’s departure comes amid a wave of high-profile exits in the TV news industry. Notable figures such as Norah O'Donnell, Hoda Kotb, and others have recently left their roles, signaling a period of transition for major networks.

As Todd prepares for his next chapter, he teased the possibility of launching a newsletter, a trend among journalists leaving traditional platforms. “At my core, I’m an entrepreneur,” he wrote, referencing his early career in political newsletters.

Todd’s exit marks the end of an era for NBC News, as the network navigates a rapidly evolving media landscape.