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Gregory Succeeds Russert

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Los Angeles Times

Published: December 8, 2008

NEW YORK - "Meet the Press," NBC's Sunday-morning political forum, has announced that journalist David Gregory will take the helm of the program.

The announcement was made six months after the death of longtime moderator Tim Russert. The selection of Gregory, NBC's chief White House correspondent, was no surprise, having leaked days ago after weeks of speculation.
Interim host Tom Brokaw confirmed the news at the end of Sunday's show, introducing Gregory as a "great friend and cherished colleague."

Gregory, 38, called the appointment "daunting and humbling" and briefly choked up on the air as he described the program's "great purpose."

Gregory's arrival could recharge the pitched rivalry among the Sunday political talk shows after 11 years in which "Meet the Press" has dominated the ratings.

Gregory has covered three presidential campaigns and the Bush White House, where he was known for his pugnacious questions. But there's no doubt that he faces a challenge in living up to the legacy of Russert, who served as moderator for nearly 17 years before dying from a heart attack in June.

Gregory is giving up his daily afternoon show on MSNBC but will continue as substitute anchor on the "Today" show.

He'll begin moderating "Meet the Press" on Sunday.

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