Betsy Fischer Martin

Betsy Fischer Martin has been Executive Producer of NBC’s number one rated Sunday morning public affairs program and the longest running television program in the world, “Meet the Press,” since July 2002.

In this capacity, she has produced interviews with U.S. Presidents, key Cabinet officials, heads of state and presidential candidates – including a special “Meet the Press” debate live from New Hampshire with all of the 2012 Republican candidates for president.  Fischer Martin also created and produced an award winning series of special “Meet the Press” debates with the candidates from key U.S. Senate races beginning in 2002 and continuing each election year since. 

Additionally, she served as Tom Brokaw’s producer for NBC News’ coverage of the 2008 Presidential Election, including the conventions, debates, and election night. Fischer served with Tim Russert in the same capacity during NBC’s coverage of Special Events, and throughout the 2000, 2004 and 2008 elections.

Prior to being named Executive Producer, Fischer Martin was the Senior Producer of “Meet the Press” and the NBC News Political/Polling Unit for five years. Her career at NBC News began with an internship at “Meet the Press” while in college and she became the political researcher for the program in 1992.  She was promoted to Associate Producer in 1995, and Producer in 1997.

A native of New Orleans, Fischer Martin did her undergraduate and graduate work at American University in Washington, DC.  She is a cum laude graduate of their School of Public Affairs and earned a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the AU School of Communications.  She currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Public Affairs at American University.

Fischer Martin has been honored with several awards for her work with NBC, including two News and Documentary Emmys, the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Political Journalism, and a Gracie Award from American Women in Radio and Television.  She has been featured in several publications including profiles in Television Week, The New Orleans Times Picayune, Marie Claire Magazine, Washington Business Journal, Washingtonian’s 50 Best & Most Influential Journalists, Washington Life’s Power 100, and GQ’s Powerful People in Washington.

Fischer Martin has recently been awarded the honor of "Young Global Leader of the World" by The World Economic Forum, which recognizes 250 global young leaders for their professional accomplishments, their commitment to society and their potential to contribute to the shaping of the future world.

She is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a member of the National Press Club and the International Women’s Forum.

She lives in Falls Church, Virginia with her husband, Jonathan Martin, a Senior Political Reporter with POLITICO and her daughter Ella, a 5th grader.