Peter Alexander, who had anchored Today on Saturdays since 2018 and worked at NBC News for 22 years, bid farewell to the network and announced a new role at MS Now.
The journalist, who has helmed the Today desk on Saturday mornings since 2018, announced his departure from the show during the March 28 broadcast—and detailed how life in Washington, D.C. with his loved ones factored into that difficult decision.
“Studio 1A, being right here with this team with all the folks that you don’t get to see on TV, this is literally my happy place,” Peter shared during his final dispatch from 30 Rock in New York City. “I mean, what a gig. But because I live in Washington, it’s also a trek. I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years.”
Simply put, the 49-year-old didn’t want to miss out on more quality time with wife Alison Starling and their daughters Ava, 12, and Emma, 10.
“In this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me, it’s already happening quick,” he mused, “I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives.”
During his farewell, after rolling a highlight reel of Peter’s accomplishments at NBC, his longtime co-anchor Laura Jarrett offered a heartfelt tribute to her colleague.
“You are a brilliant journalist,” she said. “You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father. You only get one shot to be Ava and Emma’s dad, 200 nights is a long time. They are lucky to have you as their father.”
Virginia Sherwood/NBCHowever, the journalist, who spent a total of 22 years at NBC News, isn’t walking away from the world of TV news. In fact, one day after his final Today episode, it was confirmed he is joining MS NOW as host of the network’s 11 a.m. broadcast and serving as the network’s Chief National Reporter. But though he has signed off from this longtime onscreen home, he emphasized his love for that community.
“I got no words to describe what this place has meant to me,” Peter shared, “NBC is at my core through and through. I love everybody here. I wish everyone continued success.”
The journalist isn’t the only TV personality to end their run on a longtime show. For more surprising TV departures, read on…
