A visibly-nervous Chuck Todd took over last Sunday morning as the moderator of NBC's flagship political program, "Meet the Press." With the show having previously experienced a drop in ratings many wonder if audiences are over Sunday morning talk shows -- or if Todd has the power to turn things around. Missouri School of Journalism professors Earnest Perry, Mike McKean and Amy Simons discuss the issue.
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Chuck Todd began his first show as the moderator of NBC's Meet the Press by saying how honored he was to follow in the footsteps of those who came before him. He also cautioned viewers that the show would be a work-in-progress over the next few weeks.
New commentators were featured on last Sunday's show, including a representative from BuzzFeed, and Todd introduced a new segment meant to bring issues in the Capitol back to individual states. But an article from the New York Times said Todd himself was the most important change for "Meet the Press."
"Chuck Todd was an imperfect host of “Meet the Press” on Sunday. And that’s perfect."
Missouri School of Journalism Professor Mike McKean said he thought Todd was well-received as the new commentator.
Almost every media critic who looked at his first show was giving him the benefit of the doubt, and was talking about the deep respect he has in Washington, the knowledge he has of the subject, and the fact that he doesn't look like a tv host
Although the show has seen a drop in ratings over the past few years, last Sunday's episode of "Meet the Press" was the top Sunday public affairs program according to POLITICO. McKean said he believes this is just the beginning of the show's return to popularity.
If anybody can bring back the traditional viewers who want to know about the Washington power structure, it should be Chuck Todd. If he can't do it, nobody can.
