Nattering nabobs of negativism say NBC moving Chuck Todd’s weekday show to its streaming platform is meant as a demotion. That may stem from the recently folded CNN+ streaming service, a streaming service that did not survive one month.
NBC stressed their streaming network is profitable and continues its rapid expansion as the fastest-growing streaming news network in the country. Its streaming service, “NBC News NOW,” reached 120 million video views and more than 40 million hours watched, up 130 percent from March 2021, according to a network statement. The show’s name will change to “Meet the Press NOW” when it moves to the streaming service on June 6.
“Chuck was one of the first broadcast anchors to see the massive potential of streaming,” said NBC News President Noah Oppenheim, “and bringing ‘Meet the Press’s’ daily franchise to NBC News Now reinforces the platform’s status as the destination for news on streaming.”
Todd’s move to the streaming service is part of an MSNBC strategy of de-emphasizing straight news programming in favor of shows anchored by commentators, analysts and political experts, according to a Variety report. For example, MSNBC will introduce a new show hosted by Symone Sanders, formerly a press advisor to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki Thursday announced she would be leaving the government for the network, where she will host a show after taking a few months off.
Bobby Burack, an Outkick reporter, considers the move to streaming a probable career ending move.
“NBC and MSNBC viewers have turned on Todd because he’s not as loyal and progressive as the other hosts in the media,” the reporter noted. “The website Mediaite frequently tracks the liberal outrage that Todd ignites when he criticizes Democratic strategy and the Biden Administration during “Meet the Press.”
The report included Twitter posts attacking Todd as a Republican tool, something Burack disputes.
“Todd is hardly conservative, but he does ask tough questions while interviewing Democratic politicians,” Burack wrote. “Todd didn’t get the memo that doing so is no longer allowed. His Sunday morning counterpart George Stephanopoulos is following this rule dutifully on ABC.
The “Meet the Press” moderator may worry less about whether the move is an opportunity or demotion than continuing to receive his reported $10 million salary.
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