Gregory to Host Meet the Press

NBC News announced Sunday morning that White House correspondent David Gregory would be the new host of their flagship Sunday morning show “Meet the Press.”

And show executive producer Betsy Fischer has extended her contract. Fischer was with Tim Russert when he died of a heart attack in June of this year and has led the show through the transition.

Longtime NBC veteran Tom Brokaw took over the program through the election and hosts his last show this morning. President-elect Obama is the guest. Brokaw will announced Gregory’s successor at the end of the morning’s broadcast (which airs at 10:30 a.m. in Washington).

NBC News President Steve Capus said in a statement: “We lost a legend this summer, and today we hand the program over to someone who has a true appreciation and respect for the ‘Meet the Press’ legacy, and a keen sense of what it needs to be in the future. David and Betsy are first-rate and I’m thrilled to have them in their roles at a key time in the program’s, and the country’s, history. I’d also like to thank Tom Brokaw, whose tremendous dedication has helped to lead ‘Meet the Press’ through this critical transition and extraordinary election season. He did so out of honor and respect for our friend Tim Russert, and we’ll always be grateful.”

Gregory said in the statement: “”I’m filled with a great sense of purpose as I join a superb team to cover Washington and the world from a treasured platform in our country. Above all, I want to make Tim proud.”

And Fischer said of Gregory: “Not only is he a huge talent, but his tremendous knowledge of Washington and his persistence for truth and accountability make him a natural fit to uphold the strong ideals of ‘Meet the Press.'”

Gregory is the tenth person permanent host of the program.