If Chuck Todd leaves Meet The Press and no one makes a sound, what does that say about political tv?

Chuck Todd, the moderator of NBC’s Meet The Press, is stepping down. Political Correspondent Kristen Welker is taking over in September. 

At first blush, it seemed like an odd decision. We’re one year away from a presidential election, when the Chuck Todds of the world take center stage. Going with a rookie in that big a spot seems suspect. Todd says he's leaving for family reasons and to work on passion projects but I have my doubts.

My guess is that the powers that be wanted to shake things up due to his sinking ratings and because the concept of the Sunday morning political show is dying.  

Growing up as a geeky media kid I idolized Tim Russert, or his folksy public persona at least. We’re from the same part of the country. When he died in the late aughts, the facade of what these shows were to me shattered. And I don’t think I’m alone in that. 

The truth is Sunday morning political shows aren't for you and me, and they likely never were. Politicians go on Meet The Press and Face The Nation and such to message the press, the political class and strangely enough, themselves.

That's a small audience to start. Add the fact that all media is getting smaller and I'm left to wonder why these shows exist at all. During his announcement Sunday, Chuck Todd said part of the answer was at the movies.

“We've successfully expanded what makes Meet The Press special on Sundays to make it special no matter the topic or where it airs. Or when it airs,” said Todd. “That includes our annual Meet the Press Film Festival as well, which has somehow become one of the most important festivals for Oscar buzz and nominations for news driven documentaries.”

I doubt I'm the only one that missed  the Meet The Press film festival but I can't blame them for trying. 

Reach me at James@rochesteraccent.com or jamesbrowntv@gmail.com. Or leave me a message at 1-585-484-0339

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