NBC's 'Meet the Press' may be losing its Sunday talk ratings lead

"Meet the Press," the king of Sunday morning TV news talk shows, could soon lose its crown.

Although NBC's "Meet the Press" with David Gregory still holds the lead as of the April 20 Neilsen numbers, the ratings battle, which has been heating up for months, rages on.

With "Face the Nation," hosted by Bob Schieffer, CBS holds the No. 2 spot. Nipping at its heels is ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos.

"Face the Nation" had 2.83 million viewers for its April 20 show, and "This Week" had 2.79 million. (UPDATE: An ABC spokeswoman points out that despite one week of falling to third place, "This Week" holds second place for the season and year so far.)

Sure, the iconic "Meet the Press" maintains a lead with its 3.24 million that same week, but the gap is shrinking.

Some viewers have voiced their opinions on blogs that Gregory, who eventually took over as host after Tim Russert died last summer, isn't filling Russert's shoes.

And although everyone is eager to see who eventually emerges victorious in a battle that was previously dominated by Russert and Company, some are just pleased to have so many quality news programs vying for our attention.

The Baltimore Sun blogged about how this is the "golden age of some exceptionally fine Sunday morning, public affairs, TV programs."

We at The Ticket can't really dispute that, but we also can't help but miss the elegant insights of the late Russert.

-- Mark Milian

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Photo: David Gregory. Credit: Associated Press / Meet The Press

Comments

[Robert McGregor]

Tim Russert was a terrific talent - a legendary moderator - but David Gregory should be given time to grow into the position. He has real potential.

[Chris in Marietta]

David Gregory is the reason MTP is about to lose the lead. He's an arrogant, self-absorbed, lousy host. It would have been difficult for ANYONE to replace Tim, but David is a lousy host. Bring on the alternatives.

[larmar]

Too many soft ball questions. Tim didn't give out free passes to the guests. Also, the round table panel David has put together is yuck! Bring back the Carvels !! I want to see somebody get punched in the nose!

[Jon Fox]

"And while everyone is eager to see who eventually emerges victorious in a battle that was previously dominated by Russert and Co., some are just pleased to have so many quality news programs vying for our attention."

Quality? Are you serious? Gregory is pretty woefull. Gwen Ifill would have done a much better job. She could raise the bar for all of them.

[Duane Andre]

The image of David Gregory 'gettin' down' with 'K-Ro' does nothing to hide the 'corporate-lapdog-psuedo journalist' that has betrayed We the People for decades and the 'chickens are coming home to roost'..

[allen]

David tries too hard. If he actually used logic instead of so painfully trying to capture the sentiment on the extreme right or left, maybe I could take him seriously.

Just because one fringe is taking a stand, it doesn't mean it's intelligent, constructive, or worthy of asking serious people trying to get serious things done for our country.

Quit probing for controversy and facilitate moving the nation forward.

[Steve T]

Dick Gregory is such a far cry from Russert , there is no comparison. No one really expects him to be , but Gregory is just plain awful. I used to really look forward to MTP on Sunday morning , now I don't even watch it.

[Aaron]

Tim Russert had elegant insights? The same Tim Russert who testified that he considers all conversations with politicians off-the-record unless told otherwise? The same Tim Russert who hosted a TV show that Dick Cheney's office felt was a good venue for them because they could "control the message"? That Tim Russert? The fact that the media considers Tim Russert a person who they should emulate is proof enough that the American press has failed.

[zenaby56]

I actually left MTP. I am watching This Week with George Stephanopoulus. David Gregory is not filling Russerts shoes but I don't think he can find the shoes. When I watch his style, I think I could do a better job. Poor choice on NBC's part.

[xargaw]

David Gregory is a poor interviewer. He asks slanted questions, misses the obvious followups and is generally coasting above his skill level. MTP is no longer worth watching. Sadly, with Gregory is has been getting weaker instead of better. GPS with Fareed is the best, followed by Face the Nation. This Week needs a fresh panel too. The same olds year after year having nothing of interest to offer.

[ALEX]

Well, maybe the administration can give 'Meet The PRess' some money to stay afloat. Meanwhile, we've got 10% unemployment here!

[Rodney]

Note to David G.

I thought you would be a great pick to fill the MTP spot.

One of the things being said on the blogs is that you seem more interested in asking the question than getting the answer, that you are course in your approach and that, well you not Tim.

My response is 'GIVE HIM TIME", we gave Tim the time he needed to settle into the job, you deserve the same courtesy.

Good luck, I think

[Apres Ski]

Gregory has a laid back style. It's not the "gotcha" of the late Tim Russert. Unless they chance moderators, it's going to be laid back and Face the Nation will slip in and show those young ones, how the game is played.

For my tastes, I wanted Chuck Todd for Meet the Press and Gregory for chief White House correspondent. It's like NBC put the wrong men in the wrong jobs . . .

[Val]

I think Chris Matthews would do a better job. He'll hold their feet to the fire.

[Chris]

I stopped watching it after Russert passed..it's not that no-one else can do the job, I just think David Gregory is a complete bore..I cannot stand to watch him.

[oldfolks56]

David Gregory is the wrong person for the job. Doesn't have the depth of Russert or Brokaw; too opinionated, always has more to say than his guests.

[Jim NIckel]

Stretch stinks. Plain and simple.

[Que]

Sorry to say, but the only person that can replace Tim Russert is his own son, Luke Russert.

[SherryZ]

>>Some viewers have voiced their opinions on blogs that Gregory, who replaced previous host Tim Russert when he suddenly died last summer, isn't filling Russert's shoes.

NO KIDDING!! David Gregory was probably close to the worst choice. Andrea Mitchell would have been tons better. There really aren't (m)any quaility news people left...all hype and gossip and personal opinion.

[Derek Buranen]

I feel like Gregory just shills for the right and laughs of positions of the left. Plus he's boring.

How bout Chuck Todd?

[TeriM]

David Gregory has made MTP unwatchable.

[Rick]

I, too, have completely defected over to THIS WEEK.

I agree with most of the folks above -- Gregory was absolutely the wrong choice. Actually, I would go so far as to say that this was a highly uninspired decision made by NBC News President Steve Capus.

It is unfortunate that Tim has passed, we all loved him. But that kind of circumstance, and with the opportunity to do something bold, Capus just goes with the mainstream? I mean, in this year where we have our first black president, Capus chooses David Gregory?

Not only that, but really, Gregory has not paid his dues yet.

Yes, I agree with two of you above -- how ABOUT Andrea Mitchell? How ABOUT Gwen Ifill? Putting a woman in there would make quite a statement -- but, moreover, either of those two women are highly qualified and would do an amazing job. Everybody loves Andrea and Gwen.

Chris Matthews? Love Chris, but wrong for MTP. Chuck Todd? Love Chuck, but WAY too early for him to be taking the mantle of MTP. He was a pundit who became WH reporter. Needs at least 5 years, if not a decade, to become more seasoned.

Capus, admit it, you blew it! Now remove David Gregory and give Andrea Mitchell or Gwen Ifill (or both?) their due and let people wake up on Sunday morning and enjoy MEET THE PRESS once again.

[Rhonda]

dave doomed the show...

he is not objective

does not appear to be sincere whit questioning

no tim that's for sre

[Mauimom]

***" the elegant insights of the late Russert."***

I was about to respond to this [nonsense], but an earlier poster said it all:

Tim Russert had elegant insights? The same Tim Russert who testified that he considers all conversations with politicians off-the-record unless told otherwise? The same Tim Russert who hosted a TV show that Dick Cheney's office felt was a good venue for them because they could "control the message"? That Tim Russert? The fact that the media considers Tim Russert a person who they should emulate is proof enough that the American press has failed.

[george]

he is really boring. i have taped the show every week for years, so that i can watch the other shows. after watching the other shows, i have to force myself to watch MTP, no action at all, ppor guests, no drama. terrible. please bring on chris, keith, gwen, anyone else.