Kristen Welker Steps into Tim Russert's Shoes as the New Host of "Meet the Press"

Stepping into the shoes of the late, great Tim Russert, Kristen Welker took on the mantle of host for NBC's "Meet the Press" in 2023. A role that Russert himself had reinvented in 1991 when he transformed the show from its original press conference format to a platform renowned for its one-on-one conversations with political heavyweights and newsmakers. Welker recounts delving back into those historic episodes, marveling at Russert's landmark interviews, such as the exclusive sit-down with former Vice President Dick Cheney at Camp David following the U.S.'s invasion, and lighter moments like the interview with baseball legend Yogi Berra, where they shared stories of baseball and sports that encapsulated the American spirit. As the longest-running program in television history, "Meet the Press" first aired as a radio show in 1945 before moving to NBC television in 1947. With its upcoming 80th anniversary next year, and NBC's centennial the following year, the production team is already planning a celebration worthy of the network's legacy. The show has made history on numerous occasions, including Gerald Ford's groundbreaking appearance as the first sitting U.S. President on a live network news program in 1975. The series was created by Martha Rountree, a pioneering journalist who served as the show's first moderator from 1947 to 1953. "I feel a deep connection to Martha Rountree," says Welker, who made history as the first Black journalist and woman of color to host the show. "Her strength and courage inspire me, especially considering the challenges she faced when she pioneered this groundbreaking series." Both Kristen Welker and executive producer David Gelles share a rich NBC News heritage. Welker began her career with the network as an intern for the "Today" show while still in college, while Gelles started as a page at the network before working alongside Russert in the NBC News Washington bureau and collaborating with several other "Meet the Press" hosts, including Tom Brokaw, David Gregory, and Welker's predecessor, Chuck Todd. Gelles reflects on their collaboration: "Kristen and I discussed the importance of maintaining 'Meet the Press' traditions while making the show relevant for today's audiences." This vision led to the creation of the daily edition "Meet the Press Now," airing on NBC News' streaming platform, as well as social media extensions. "We have a linear television show, but we also leverage various platforms at NBC News to reach people," Gelles notes. "Whether it's mobile, streaming, or YouTube with Steve Kornacki, I believe we're meeting our audience where they are." To cater to the polarized times, Welker and Gelles have expanded "Meet the Press" with segments like "Meet the Moment," featuring interviews with figures like documentarian Ken Burns, actress Olivia Munn, and poet Amanda Gorman. They've also introduced the "Common Ground" series, which brings together figures from opposite ends of the political spectrum for joint conversations. With midterm elections on the horizon, Welker and Gelles are gearing up for a busy fall season, continuing their mission to "do something for the history books." As Gelles put it: "We hope that historians will study what we've done each week, and our work will serve as part of the narrative that reveals our nation's political evolution."