By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
Gwen Ifill has been named as one of the lead contenders for NBC's 'Meet the Press.'
The Sunday morning political talk show has been without a permanent host since the passing of Tim Russert in June.
Ifill, who is currently the moderator of 'Washington Week' on PBS, would be the first African American moderator of the NBC show if talks pan out.
According to the 'Los Angeles Times,' Ifill has met with the network about the position, though she was not sure which direction NBC was going in.
"I had the impression that they didn't know what they wanted the show to be yet," she told the daily. "I think they were trying to figure out how I would fit. But I don't know if they've figured it out yet. If they have, they haven't told me."
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
The 53-year-old journalist found herself in the midst of political controversy just days before she moderated the debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden back in Oct.
Conservative commentators complained that Ifill's upcoming book that featured President Elect Barack Obama posed conflict of interest.
The tome, 'Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama,' is slated to be released around the inauguration in January 2009.
Regardless, the debate happened without incident.
Back to 'Meet the Press,' it is speculated that the new moderator will be announced on Dec. 7, which is supposed to be interim host Tom Brokaw's last day.
Other journalists who are apparently on the short list include NBC chief White House correspondent David Gregory, NBC chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell and NBC political director Chuck Todd.
Veteran ABC anchor Ted Koppel has also been mentioned as a contender. Koppel, who announced Tuesday that he was leaving his post at Discovery Channel though his contract isn't up until May, told the paper that he had not spoken with NBC and had little interest in getting into "a weekly grind again."
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VIDEO: Watch Queen Latifah Spoof Gwen Ifill During This 'Saturday Night Live' Skit.
Comments: (159)
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By: Ms. Shelly on 11/28/2008 2:26PM
Good for Gwen Ifill! She did an "Excellent" job on TV during the debates! I wish her the best and it's nice to see an "Intelligent", Afro-American women to be the first to host "Meet the Press". I liked Tim Russell and no one can take his place, but Gwen will hold it down and do well!
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By: Thomasina on 11/28/2008 6:30PM
Gwen Ifill--how GREAT would this be? She held her own during the Vice President Debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. I like her--gotta keep those fingers crossed.
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By: jerry coleman on 11/28/2008 7:06PM
If Mrs ifill got the job that would be great for n.b.c as well for the public, i have watch her over the years and i can not tell if she is a democrat are a republican, the hit she took from the republican, she handle that well.
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By: jessaca on 11/29/2008 12:18PM
right on sista!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: DARRYL on 1/09/2009 1:30PM
GOV INJUSTICE THE RACISM OF THE GOV. AND CORRUPTION IN THE COURTS. CHICAGO LEADS CORRUPT STATES 2 TO 1.
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By: debi on 12/01/2008 2:12PM
That is a wonderful choice. No one can replace Tim Russert, ever, but Tom Brokaw has been great and always will be, but when I heard Chris Matthews may take the spot I said, NO WAY..he is annoying!! This is a very good choice.
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By: kerry wenrich on 12/01/2008 3:04PM
tom is doing just fine why change now
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By: Lois Harrington on 12/01/2008 2:16PM
I can't think of a better choice. An objective
journalist and skillful interviewer. It will be
great to see her skills and talents on mainstream
TV. I will continue to watch PBS news programs,
as they are truly fair and balanced as is Ms Ifill.
GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES FOR A LONG AND
SUCCESSFUL RUN.
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By: Phill on 12/01/2008 2:17PM
WOW!!! Jessica Simpson posing nude here:
http://www.celebcvid.com/video.php?v=Jessica_Simpson_nude
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By: Cynthia on 12/01/2008 2:27PM
Great. We go from Tim Russert, who until he died, most of us didn't even know his party affiliation, to Gwen Ifill who is just another Obama worshipper and liberal. I guess she does personify the new definition of the word "Press."
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