NBC executives hope the next iteration of "Meet the Press" maintains momentum.
In its early days, "Meet the Press" had a moderator and a regular panelist who occasionally filled in for the host. Later, the show came to be defined by a singular moderator -- most recently Russert, the longest serving host, who helmed the show for 17 years until he had a heart attack in the network's Washington bureau.
Instead of simply naming a successor to Russert, a larger-than-life figure whose death was keenly felt at NBC, executives are considering the possibility of multiple hosts, including a trio of panelists.
That could help address any shortcoming in gravitas seen in Gregory or Todd, each of whom is still in his 30s. According to a network source familiar with internal thinking, it appears unlikely that Todd, in particular, would be named solo anchor, despite the high regard for him, because he has not had substantial television experience. But in some ways, the relative youth of both men is an asset.
"I think they want a franchise that has some potential for longevity, and that's where Chuck and Gregory are good choices," said another newsroom employee.
Ifill's presence would also help signal a new era at "Meet the Press." Currently the moderator of "Washington Week" on PBS, the anchor would be the first African American moderator of the NBC program, a timely milestone that would coincide with the inauguration of the country's first black president.
Ifill worked at NBC for five years covering Washington and was a favorite of Russert, who frequently had her on the program, which she called a "national treasure."
On Tuesday, she said she would be honored to be tapped for the show, "but if not, I have a job that I'm happy with."
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matea.gold@latimes.com
