Chuck Todd, six-time Emmy Award-winner and host of The Chuck ToddCast, will deliver the 2025 Roy Reed Lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. The event, hosted by the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society and the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, is free and open to students, faculty and the community.

Todd was NBC News's chief political analyst and served as the moderator of Meet the Press, the longest-running broadcast in television history, from 2014 to 2023. During his tenure, Meet the Press became the number-one-rated Sunday public affairs program for several years, secured its first Emmy and expanded the brand beyond its single weekly show. Todd's steady, incisive reporting has made him a key voice in American political journalism.

"We're excited to welcome Chuck Todd back to the U of A," said Bret Schulte, director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. "His success at NBC, time covering the White House and experience talking with world leaders offers unique perspective to our students and the community alike."

Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of politics, Todd's analysis has earned him the reputation as one of the most trusted voices in American media. He is currently focused on new ventures, including The Chuck ToddCast and his upcoming projects, which aim to continue his legacy of delivering impactful political analysis and fostering engaging conversations with leaders shaping the future of American politics. He is also the inaugural scholar-in-residence for the University of Southern California's Capital Campus in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his Emmy wins, Todd's accolades include recognition as one of Washingtonian's best journalists and honorary doctorates from institutions like The George Washington University (his Alma mater), Marist College and Marymount University.

The Roy Reed Lecture Series brings noteworthy media professionals to campus each year to discuss their careers and issues in their professions. The lecture was created by the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences to honor Roy Reed (1930-2017), a professor of journalism who reported for The New York Times from 1965 to 1978. The lecture is held in conjunction with school's annual J-Days celebration.

"Roy Reed was a brilliant storyteller, journalist and educator," Schulte said. "We're honored to keep his memory alive with this annual lecture and to connect his legacy to current events that impact the fields of journalism, advertising and public relations."

About the Roy Reed Lecture Series: The Roy Reed Lecture Series is the featured event for the school's annual J-Days celebration. The series was created by friends of Reed when he retired from the journalism faculty. Roy Reed (1930-2017) was a reporter for The New York Times (1965-1978), where he wrote more than 1,300 bylined articles. He taught journalism at the U of A for 16 years.

About J-Days: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media hosts its annual J- Days celebration in April. The week includes a scholarship reception, the Roy Reed lecture series and other events. SJSM faculty also host journalists and media professionals as guest speakers throughout the week. Many J-Days events are planned in conjunction with the Lemke Journalism Alumni Society.