Press release from NBC:

Chuck Todd will take the reins at NBC's "Meet the Press," replacing moderator David Gregory, NBC News President Deborah Turness announced Thursday.

In an email to NBC News staff, Turness praised Gregory, who has hosted the Sunday morning public affairs show for the past six years:

I want to express my sincerest thanks to David, who, after the death of Tim Russert, led Meet the Press for almost 6 years. Under his leadership the show has had a string of exclusives, and David has shown a remarkable gift for holding leaders to account and getting answers on issues that matter to our audience. He is an outstanding journalist whose sharp intellect and quick sense of humor have made him a pleasure to work with. I know you all join me in expressing our deepest gratitude and in wishing him the very best.

Turness said Todd, who is currently the NBC News political director and the host of "The Daily Rundown" on MSNBC, will assume hosting duties September 7. Turness said Todd will "hand over his roles" as chief White House correspondent and "Daily Rundown" anchor.

There is no one with a bigger passion for politics than Chuck. His unique ability to deliver that passion with razor sharp analysis and infectious enthusiasm makes him the perfect next generation moderator of this beloved broadcast. Chuck will ensure that Meet the Press is the beating heart of politics, the place where newsmakers come to make news, where the agenda is set. We have some exciting plans to evolve and update the broadcast under Chuck's leadership that we will be sharing with you shortly.

"Meet the Press" premiered in 1947 and is the longest-running show in American television history. Todd is poised to become the show's 11th permanent moderator.