NBC Stands Behind David Gregory

Despite his falling ratings, NBC bosses say they are standing 100% behind Meet the Press Moderator David Gregory.

Rumors have swirled for months that the network might look at replacing him on the Sunday talk  show.

Gregory has heard the rumors, too.

"This comes with the territory. I understand it," Gregory told The Huffington Post on Wednesday night. "I see speculation out there. I just try to pay attention to the stuff I know is real."

Gregory assumed the "Meet the Press" throne in 2008 following the death of Tim Russert, and has long been dogged by comparisons to his predecessor -- a figure who still casts a shadow over Washington media. But grumblings about Gregory's continued stewardship turned into audible criticisms this past year, as the once indomitable Sunday morning show plummeted in late 2013 to its lowest ratings in decades.

There's been chatter about whether NBC News' Chuck Todd, a political junkie whom many wanted to replace Russert, deserves a shot. Speculation has also emerged that "Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski are angling for a Sunday program such as "Meet the Press."

Just last week, NBC News president Deborah Turness visited Washington, D.C., to attend a March 12 awards dinner. She met the following day with Gregory and his executive producer. Politico reported a meeting was taking place, which led to more buzz about Gregory's future.

But if the chatter is mounting, it doesn't appear to have persuaded management. NBC News senior vice president Alex Wallace, who was also in that March 13 meeting -- and many others since being tasked with overseeing "Meet the Press" in January -- dismissed the speculation in an interview with The Huffington Post.

"I cannot be more declarative about David -- is our guy, is going to be our guy, and we are really happy with him," said Wallace in her first interview since adding the Sunday show to her portfolio. "I know there continues to be lots of hubbub, but I'm in every single meeting: There is no internal hubbub."

H/T HuffPo