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Veteran NBC News anchor Peter Alexander has announced his departure from the network after a distinguished 22-year tenure. The news came during the March 28 broadcast of Saturday TODAY, where Alexander has served as co-host since 2018, alongside his role as NBC’s co-chief White House correspondent since 2021.
In an emotional farewell, the 49-year-old journalist expressed deep gratitude to NBC News, his colleagues, and viewers. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family-his wife Alison Starling and their two daughters, Ava and Emma-and to pursue new professional challenges. Residing in Washington, D.C., the family has managed a demanding schedule, with Alexander frequently traveling to New York City’s Studio 1A for the Saturday TODAY show.
“I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months, and over 200 Friday nights away from my family in the past seven years,” Alexander shared. “With this limited window before my daughters grow less interested in spending time with me, I’m eager to find a better balance between personal and professional life and to explore new opportunities.”
Alexander’s career at NBC began in 2004, covering a wide range of domestic and international stories. He gained prominence covering the 2012 Republican presidential race and was named White House correspondent that same year.
After a brief period as a national correspondent from 2014 to 2016, he returned to the White House beat in 2017. In 2021, he was elevated to co-chief White House correspondent alongside Kristen Welker, who later became the moderator of Meet the Press in 2023, leaving Alexander as the sole chief White House correspondent.
Reports suggest that Alexander’s decision to leave is not solely based on the demanding work schedule but also due to limited opportunities for advancement within NBC’s lineup of flagship programs. With key anchor positions at TODAY, Meet the Press, and NBC Nightly News firmly in place, Alexander is believed to be seeking fresh challenges elsewhere.
NBC News leadership released a statement acknowledging Alexander’s contributions. Washington Bureau Chief Chloe Arensberg and Today’s weekend executive producer Matt Carluccio described him as “a trusted presence with great range” and “a friend to many across the NBC News team,” expressing their gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors.
Alexander has not yet disclosed his next professional move. Industry insiders note that MS NOW, which recently restructured its daytime schedule and has an open weekday 11 a.m. anchor slot, could present a potential opportunity as the network continues to evolve following its separation from NBC News in 2025.