Long-time NBC host Chuck Todd is leaving the network. The former host of Meet the Press announced his departure on Friday, explaining to colleagues that he intends to pursue opportunities outside the corporate media network.
“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 to his colleagues in a memo. He added: “So I’m grateful for the chance to get a jump start on my next chapter during this important moment.”
Over the last year, many of the major corporate news networks have suffered severe ratings declines and struggled to meet revenue expectations. CNN has been hit notably hard, with on-air “talent” opting to leave the network while those who have stayed face several rounds of layoffs. Earlier this week, long-time CNN fixture Jim Acosta left the network after his time slot was significantly altered.
Todd stated that his podcast, the Chuck Toddcast, would continue, but independent of NBC.