Veteran anchor Peter Alexander has announced his departure from NBC News after more than two decades, ending a long tenure that saw him become one of the network’s best-known political correspondents.
Peter Alexander is leaving NBC News after 20 years
Alexander confirmed the decision during Saturday’s broadcast, though he did not publicly describe his next move. However, several reports indicate that he is expected to join MS NOW as anchor and lead national reporter, signaling a major shift in his career.
The 49-year-old journalist was a central figure at NBC News, serving as chief White House correspondent and co-anchor of Saturday’s Today edition. He has reported on several US administrations over the years and has become a familiar presence at White House briefings, often known for his direct questioning style.
Alexander joined NBC News in 2004 and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually taking on some of the network’s most high-profile assignments. His work has extended to flagship programs including NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press and Dateline NBC, reflecting a broad editorial footprint within the organization.
In his on-air remarks, Alexander emphasized the personal motivation behind his decision and emphasized the toll of the intense schedule. “I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months, more than 220 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years,” he said. “I want to find a better balance between my personal and professional life and challenge myself with something new.”
Sources familiar with the matter also suggest that career progression played a role. Despite his long service, Alexander was reportedly passed over for several starring roles on NBC’s primetime programs, limiting his options for advancement.
His expected move comes amid broader structural changes in the US television news industry. MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, was recently spun off from NBCUniversal as part of a broader corporate restructuring that created a more competitive landscape for broadcast talent.
At MS NOW, Alexander is reportedly set to anchor the weekday program and contribute topical news throughout the day. The move would make him one of the most prominent journalists to transition between the two organizations following their split.
Meanwhile, NBC News is expected to reorganize responsibilities among its Washington team as it prepares for a post-Alexander newsroom. Colleagues and viewers responded by paying tribute to his long-term contribution, especially his reporting on major world and political events.
Alexander’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for NBC News and underscores the continued evolution of broadcast journalism in the United States.
