NEW YORK, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Reports are now coming to light that the president of NBC News went after a late-night comedy heavyweight to host Meet the Press before deciding on Chuck Todd.
According to New York Magazine, NBC News President Deborah Turness approached Stewart to take over as moderator after David Gregory stepped down in August.
One source at NBC News said the peacock network was willing to offer Stewart "virtually anything" to host the show.
"They were ready to back the Brink's truck up," the source said.
Critics say it makes sense that NBC would go after Stewart because he brings something network execs want: a younger, loyal audience.
And this isn't the first time NBC has tried to recruit Stewart. The network reportedly went after him for the 10 p.m. slot that went to Jay Leno for a variety show.
If Stewart had jumped from Comedy Central it wouldn't have been unprecedented. Earlier this year CBS managed to lure Stephen Colbert away from his show to take over hosting duties for Late Night when David Letterman retires next year.
