Peter Alexander fights back tears announcing NBC exit after 22 years amid reported move to MS NOW

'I'm eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives and to challenge myself with something new', Alexander said
Peter Alexander, the longtime NBC White House correspondent, announced he was stepping away after more than two decades, citing a desire to spend more time with his family (Screengrab/TODAY/ YouTube)
Peter Alexander, the longtime NBC White House correspondent, announced he was stepping away after more than two decades, citing a desire to spend more time with his family (Screengrab/TODAY/ YouTube)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Veteran journalist Peter Alexander delivered an emotional farewell on NBC’s 'Today', announcing that he was stepping away from the network after more than two decades.

Speaking to co-hosts on 'TODAY' on Saturday, March 28, the longtime White House correspondent reflected on his career and personal sacrifices, explaining that his decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family.

His departure comes amid reports that he is preparing to join MS NOW in a prominent new role.



Peter Alexander's emotional goodbye on-air

Fighting back emotion, Alexander shared the news live on air, saying, “I do have a little bit of news to share. This morning, I am bursting with pride and with gratitude. I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News.”

Thanking colleagues and viewers alike, he said, “I could not be more grateful for every one of them, and of course I’m grateful to you for welcoming me into your homes for all these years.”

Alexander also highlighted his long association with the network, noting, “It’s hard to believe, but I have been a part of the NBC family for longer than I have had my own family.”

Calling the studio “my happy place,” he added, “What a gig, it is so fun.”

The tone shifted as Alexander explained the personal cost of his demanding career.

A nighttime view of the NBC logo at the entrance to the General Electric (GE) Building (at 30 Rockerfeller Center on West 50th Street between Avenue of the Americas and 5th Avenue) where the NBC Studios and the Rainbow Room are located, Midtown Manhattan, New York, May 27, 2013. (Photo by Oliver Morris/Getty Images)
A night-time view of the NBC logo at the entrance to the General Electric (GE) Building in Midtown Manhattan, New York, May 27, 2013 (Oliver Morris/Getty Images)

“I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months,” he revealed, before adding, “More than 220 Friday nights away from my family in the past seven years.”

That reality, he said, ultimately led to his decision. “So in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me, I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives and to challenge myself with something new.”

Peter Alexander has hosted the Saturday edition of 'Today' since 2018. 

According to a report by Page Six, Peter was frustrated after being passed over for top roles on flagship shows like 'Today' and 'Nightly News'.

According to Variety, NBC News leaders Chloe Arensberg and Matt Carluccio praised Peter Alexander in a staff memo, calling him a trusted presence with broad experience across the network and expressing gratitude for his contributions while wishing him well.

NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference about the collision of an American Airlines flight with a military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Officials believe that all 64 people on the commercial jet and the three service members on the U.S. Army helicopter died when they collided midair and crashed into the Potomac River airport outside Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander questions President Donald Trump during a news conference at the White House on January 30, 2025, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Possible new chapter ahead for Peter Alexander

While Peter Alexander did not publicly confirm his next move during the broadcast, multiple reports suggest he is headed to MS NOW

According to those reports, he is expected to take on a dual role as anchor and chief national correspondent.

The network has not officially commented on the development, leaving some details of the transition unconfirmed.

However, Alexander’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter at NBC, where he spent 22 years covering major global and political stories.

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