Journalist Kristen Welker is celebrating a major career accomplishment. NBC has named Welker as the new moderator of the network’s legendary show, “Meet the Press.”
With her new role, Welker becomes the first Black woman and first Black person to host the show since its debut in 1947.
After the exciting news was revealed, Welker’s NBC colleagues Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie celebrated the journalist’s new gig during the June 5 episode of “Today.”
“My Today show family, you guys have been so supportive of me, always, and in this moment I’m so grateful,” Welker told Kotb and Guthrie. “This is truly the honor of my life.”
Welker added that “Meet the Press” is one of the most important political broadcasts in history.
“”I just feel so grateful and humbled to all of those who built this amazing legacy,” she said.
Welker is currently the co-host for “Weekend Today.” She will step into the “Meet the Press” role once the show’s current host, Chuck Todd, steps down later this year.
In his announcement message about Welker’s promotion and his decision to leave the show, Todd praised the journalist and her readiness to fill the position.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with her from essentially her first day, and let me just say she’s the right person in the right moment,” Todd said.
Welker will become just the second woman ever to moderate the show. She’s received tons of love on social media from Today viewers excited to see her continued success as a journalist.