NBC Was Reportedly Willing to Offer 'Anything' to This Famed Comedian for Him to Host 'Meet the Press

NBC courted comedian Jon Stewart to host "Meet the Press," before settling on Chuck Todd, according to a new report in New York Magazine.

Three "senior television sources" with knowledge of the talks told told the New York publication that NBC News president Deborah Turness held negotiations with the liberal comedian about taking over as host of hallmark Sunday show.

Jon Stewart was once courted by NBC News to host "Meet the Press," according to a new report. (AP Photo)

One source told the magazine that the network was prepared to offer Stewart "anything" for the prestigious hosting opportunity.

"They were ready to back the Brink's truck up," the source told New York Magazine.

MEET THE PRESS -- Pictured: Fmr. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) left, and moderator Chuck Todd, right, appear on 'Meet the Press' in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014. (NBC NewsWire/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

NBC News announced in mid-August that their political director, Todd, would replace David Gregory as moderator of the show.

"Meet the Press," which once dominated the other Sunday shows, fell behind ABC's "This Week" and CBS's "Face the Nation" under Gregory's tenure. Todd, thus far, has been unable to resurrect the show's commanding ratings.

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