For over 70 years, the iconic Meet the Press program has been a pivotal platform for robust discussions and insightful interviews. From Martha Rountree, the inaugural host, to contemporary stewards navigating the complexities of today's political landscape, all Meet the Press hosts have left an indelible mark on the show's legacy. So, who have been hosts of Meet the Press?
Meet the Press is NBC's weekly American TV Sunday morning talk show. It's the longest-running program on American TV, debuting on November 6, 1947. The program specializes in interviews with local, national and global leaders on politics, foreign policy, etc., along with panel discussions that offer analysis and opinions.
Meet the Press hosts at NBC News through the years
How many hosts has Meet the Press had? NBC’s program Meet the Press has had 13 hosts in its 70+ years. These influential hosts are:
1. Martha Rountree (1947 – 1953)
Martha Jane Rountree (October 23, 1911 – August 23, 1999) was born in Gainesville, Florida, and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. She was an American entrepreneur and trailblazing broadcast journalist.
Martha was the co-founder and inaugural moderator of two influential public affairs programs: The American Mercury and NBC's Meet the Press. In program's seven-decade history, Martha was the only Meet the Press female host until Kristen Welker assumed the role on September 17, 2023.
2. Ned Brooks (1953 – 1965)
Ned Brooks (August 13, 1901 – April 13, 1969) was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised in Warren, Ohio. In 1924, he graduated from Ohio State University and was a Phi Kappa Tau fraternity member.
He was an American TV and radio journalist who moderated NBC's Meet the Press (1953 – 1965). Earlier on the radio, Ned was the second-longest Meet the Press program moderator after Tim Russert.
3. Lawrence E. Spivak (1966 – 1975)
Lawrence Edmund Spivak (June 11, 1990 – March 9, 1994) was born in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. He founded the Meet the Press program with Martha Rountree to promote his magazine, The American Mercury, and today, it's the longest-running program in TV history.
During his 28 years as moderator and panellist of Meet the Press, Lawrence was revered for his direct questioning of policymakers.
4. Bill Monroe (1975 – 1984)
Will Blanc "Bill" Monroe Jr. (July 17, 1920 - February 17, 2011), born in New Orleans, Louisiana, left an indelible mark on journalism. As a distinguished journalist for NBC News, Monroe moderated, and executive produced NBC's Meet the Press.
Although he retired from NBC in 1986, Monroe continued working, taking on roles such as the Stars and Stripes ombudsman. Which of Meet the Press' host dies? Several Meet the Press hosts have died, and Bill Monroe is one of them. Monroe got injured in December 2010 and died from hypertension complications on February 17, 2011, aged 90.
5. Roger Mudd (1984 – 1985)
Roger Harrison Mudd (February 9, 1928 – March 9, 2021) was born in Washington, DC. He was a broadcast journalist, anchor, and correspondent for CBS News and NBC News. He was a host of American Almanac TV programs and the host of NBC's program Meet the Press. He received five Emmy Awards, the Joan Shorenstein and Peabody Awards.
6. Marvin Kalb (1985 – 1987)
Marvin Leonard Kalb was born on June 9, 1930. He spent 30 years as an award-winning NBC News and CBS News reporter. He served as Meet the Press host and chief diplomatic correspondent at NBC News.
7. Chris Wallace (1987 – 1988)
Christopher Wallace was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 12, 1947. He began his NBC career in 1975 and worked there for 14 years. He has served as the Today show’s news reader and co-anchor, NBC News political correspondent, NBC Nightly News anchor, Meet the Press moderator and more.
8. Garrick Utley (1989 – 1991)
Clifton Garrick Utley (November 19, 1939 – February 20, 2014) was born in Chicago, Illinois. He joined NBC News in 1963 as the Huntley-Brinkley Report Europe researcher. He served as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, Sunday Today, and Meet the Press host. In 1997, he moved to CNN, where he worked until 2002.
9. Tim Russert (1991 – 2008)
Timothy John Russert (May 7, 1950 – June 13, 2008) was born in Buffalo, New York. He was an American lawyer and TV journalist. He appeared for 17 years as the longest-serving host of NBC’s program Meet the Press. In 2008, Time magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
10. Tom Brokaw (2008)
Thomas John Brokaw was born in Webster, South Dakota, on February 6, 1940. He is an author and a retired TV journalist. His first TV role was as The Today Show co-anchor (1976 -1981) alongside Jane Pauley. He was the NBC Nightly News managing editor and anchor (1982 – 2004).
11. David Gregory (2008 – 2014)
David Michael Gregory was born on August 24, 1970, in Tarzan, Los Angeles, California. He is a renowned TV personality who served as Meet the Press host. He was a substitute co-anchor and fill in at Weekend Today, Weekend Nightly New and NBC Nightly News.
12. Chuck Todd (2014 – 2023)
Charles David "Chuck" Todd was born in Miami, Florida, on April 8, 1972. He hosted the iconic TV program Meet the Press and its daily edition, Meet the Press Now. He is currently the NBC News political director.
What’s Chuck Todd's illness? People quickly noticed Chuck Todd's weight loss and speculated he might have an underlying condition. But that's not the case; Todd is healthy; he shared that he made significant lifestyle changes which involve regular exercise. Therefore, his weight loss is due to his commitment to exercise.
13. Kristen Welker (2023 – present)
Who hosts NBC Meet the Press? Kristen Welker born on July 1, 1976, hosts the NBC’s program. She was the Weekend Today co-anchor (2020 – 2023) alongside Peter Alexander. Kristen Welker is the Washington, D.C., White House correspondent.
Who is on Meet the Press panelists today? On September 17, 2023, Kristen Welker became the host of Meet the Press, the longest-running TV program in history.
What channel is Meet the Press on today?
Since 1947, Meet the Press has featured headline-making interviews with USA newsmakers and world leaders every Sunday morning on NBC.
Wrapping up
All the NBC's Meet the Press hosts have architected insightful discourse and political transparency in American journalism. Each host's unique approach has left a significant mark, shaping the program's character and overall American television.
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