(Photo by: William B. Plowman/NBC)

Meet the Press is losing its moderator after nine years. Chuck Todd (above, right) has announced he will leave the long-running NBC news series. White House correspondent and Weekend Today co-anchor Kristen Welker will replace him in September.

Debuting on TV in November 1947, Meet the Press is the longest-running program in television history. It began as a radio program in 1945.

On Sunday’s broadcast, Todd announced his departure by saying the following, per Deadline:

“It’s been an amazing nearly decade long run. I am really proud of what this team and I have built over the last decade. Frankly, the last 15 years, which also includes my time as political director. I’ve loved so much of this job, helping to explain America to Washington and explain Washington to America.

The key to the survival of any of these media entities, including here at Meet the Press, is for leaders to not overstay their welcome. I’d rather leave a little bit too soon than stay a tad too long.”

He also spoke about his replacement:

“[I’m] ready to take a step back because I know the person whom I’m passing the baton to is somebody who’s been ready for this for a while. Kristen Welker. 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 began his time on the series as host in September 2014. He will remain at NBC and work on other projects. During his time with Meet the Press, he has expanded the franchise to a daily news show, Meet the Press Daily, which now airs on NBC News Now streaming. He also started a Meet the Press Film Festival and a regular limited series, Meet the Press Reports.

What do you think? Are you surprised by Todd’s exit on Meet the Press? Do you plan to continue watching this long-running news series with its new host?