LENSCRAFTER
Dec 2nd 2008, 07:04 AM
Not a big surprise I guess...
politico.com
Gregory to host 'Meet the Press'
By MIKE ALLEN | 12/2/08 6:58 AM EST
NBC News plans to name David Gregory as moderator of “Meet the Press,” infusing one of television’s most prized franchises with a sharp edge leavened by a youthful style and versatility, according to network executives.
Gregory, 38, celebrated his 30th birthday – complete with cake – aboard George W. Bush’s presidential campaign plane, the assignment that solidified his stature as a network rising star. Enjoying a gravitas boost from his prematurely salt-and-pepper mane and friendships with Tom Brokaw and other of the legendary figures of NBC News, the Los Angeles native quickly became one of the hottest personalities in network news.
The plan to anoint Gregory is not final but will be as soon as today, the executives said. NBC spokespeople refused to comment, saying the network would make the announcement.
The decision was made by Jeff Zucker, president and chief executive officer of NBC Universal, and Steve Capus, president of NBC News.
As NBC’s chief White House correspondent, Gregory has been a dogged – occasionally prickly – questioner of both the president and his press secretaries. The perceived tension benefited both sides, and Gregory maintained productive relations with senior officials.
Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said Gregory would be "an excellent choice": "No one was a tougher, more aggressive questioner in the briefing room than David Gregory. But when it came time to go on the air, he was always nothing but fair."
Gregory also speaks French, and is an avid oenophile and doting father of three.
Gregory’s playful side emerged during stints as guest host of the “Today" show and of the former “Imus in the Morning” back when the simulcast was the most successful part of MSNBC’s lineup.
politico.com
Gregory to host 'Meet the Press'
By MIKE ALLEN | 12/2/08 6:58 AM EST
NBC News plans to name David Gregory as moderator of “Meet the Press,” infusing one of television’s most prized franchises with a sharp edge leavened by a youthful style and versatility, according to network executives.
Gregory, 38, celebrated his 30th birthday – complete with cake – aboard George W. Bush’s presidential campaign plane, the assignment that solidified his stature as a network rising star. Enjoying a gravitas boost from his prematurely salt-and-pepper mane and friendships with Tom Brokaw and other of the legendary figures of NBC News, the Los Angeles native quickly became one of the hottest personalities in network news.
The plan to anoint Gregory is not final but will be as soon as today, the executives said. NBC spokespeople refused to comment, saying the network would make the announcement.
The decision was made by Jeff Zucker, president and chief executive officer of NBC Universal, and Steve Capus, president of NBC News.
As NBC’s chief White House correspondent, Gregory has been a dogged – occasionally prickly – questioner of both the president and his press secretaries. The perceived tension benefited both sides, and Gregory maintained productive relations with senior officials.
Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said Gregory would be "an excellent choice": "No one was a tougher, more aggressive questioner in the briefing room than David Gregory. But when it came time to go on the air, he was always nothing but fair."
Gregory also speaks French, and is an avid oenophile and doting father of three.
Gregory’s playful side emerged during stints as guest host of the “Today" show and of the former “Imus in the Morning” back when the simulcast was the most successful part of MSNBC’s lineup.