Chuck Todd, the chief political analyst for NBC Information and former Meet the Press moderator, introduced as we speak that he’s leaving the community as we speak after nearly 18 years.
In a word to staffers, Todd wrote, “There’s by no means an ideal time to go away a spot that’s been an expert dwelling for therefore lengthy, however I’m fairly enthusiastic about a couple of new tasks which are on the cusp of going from ‘pie within the sky’ to ‘close to actuality.’ So I’m grateful for the prospect to get a bounce begin on my subsequent chapter throughout this necessary second.” Selection first reported on his departure.
Todd additionally mentioned that he can be taking his podcast, The ChuckToddcast, with him.
An NBC Information spokesperson mentioned, “We’re grateful for Chuck’s many contributions to our political protection throughout his practically two-decade profession at NBC Information and for his deep dedication to Meet the Press and its enduring legacy. We want him all the most effective in his subsequent endeavors.”
Todd’s full memo to staffers beneath:
Right now is my final day at NBC. I began as political director in 2007, a month earlier than my son was born and he’ll be graduating highschool in a couple of months. So I suppose this implies I’ve been right here some time.
There’s by no means an ideal time to go away a spot that’s been an expert dwelling for therefore lengthy, however I’m fairly enthusiastic about a couple of new tasks which are on the cusp of going from “pie within the sky” to “close to actuality.” So I’m grateful for the prospect to get a bounce begin on my subsequent chapter throughout this necessary second.
The ChuckToddcast can also be coming with me (thanks NBC). Keep tuned for an announcement about its new dwelling quickly. Evidently, I do plan to proceed to share my reporting and distinctive perspective of masking politics with knowledge and historical past as necessary baselines in understanding the place we have been, the place we’re and the place we’re going.
The media has numerous work to do to win again the belief of viewers/listeners/readers and I’m satisfied the most effective place to begin is from the underside up. At my core, I’m an entrepreneur — I spent my first 15 years professionally working for the corporate that began the political e-newsletter craze that dominates as we speak. And it is a ripe second. The one approach to repair this info eco system is to cease whining concerning the numerous methods the social media firms are manipulating issues and as an alternative roll up our collective sleeves and begin with native. Nationwide media can’t win belief again with out having a sturdy companion regionally and attempting to sport algorithms is not any approach to inform and report. Individuals are craving group and that’s one thing nationwide media or the key social media firms can’t do in addition to native media.
As I mentioned after I introduced my exit from MTP, I go away feeling involved about this second in historical past however reassured by the requirements I and others at NBC have labored so laborious to set. We are able to’t tolerate propagandists. However it doesn’t imply sticking your head within the sand both; in the event you ignore actuality, you’ll miss the most important story. Being an actual political journalist isn’t about constructing a model, it’s about reporting what’s taking place and explaining why it’s taking place and letting the general public soak up the information with out judging them for coming to a unique conclusion. Should you do that job looking for recognition, or to easily be an activist, you’re doing this job incorrectly.
I’m actually happy with the work I’ve carried out with the unimaginable group of oldsters I’ve been fortunate sufficient to work with over these twenty years (and 5 presidents). The great thing about NBC is that one can’t succeed with out being an unimaginable collaborator. I concern if I begin title checking people, I’ll go away somebody out and that gained’t be proper. I used to be proud to have the ability to work on the former dwelling of David Brinkley, Tom Brokaw and Tim Russert. I nonetheless can’t consider I acquired to observe of their wonderful footsteps. That may stay an honor of a lifetime.
Please, don’t be shy about staying in contact. My private data is beneath. Thanks NBC and I can’t wait to work with lots of you once more down the street. And evidently, I’ll even be watching!
Thanks
Chuck Todd