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Fans of the weekend edition of Saturday Today are bidding farewell to a well-known anchor.
Peter Alexander, a veteran anchor for NBC News, revealed on Saturday, March 28, that he will be stepping away from the weekend show and leaving the network after a remarkable 22-year tenure.
During an emotional broadcast, Alexander took a moment to reflect on his expansive career that has taken him to numerous corners of the world.
“These 22 years with NBC News have been an extraordinary journey—from Baghdad to Banda Aceh, and Burbank to Beijing, always working beside some of the most talented, professional, and dedicated journalists out there,” Alexander shared. “I am deeply grateful to all of them, as well as to the leaders and mentors here who have believed in me and provided opportunities beyond my wildest expectations.”
He also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the viewers who have welcomed him into their homes throughout the years.
“Of course, I’m grateful to you for welcoming [me] into your homes for all these years. Almost 14 of those years from the North Lawn of the White House, or maybe from around the world. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been a part of the NBC family for longer than I have had my own family. 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. It is so fun. I mean, what a gig.”
But the decision to leave wasn’t about ratings or newsroom shakeups—it was personal.
Alexander explained that the demands of the job have kept him away from his wife, Alison Starling, and their daughters, Ava and Emma, more than he’d like.
“I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 220 Friday nights—220 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years,” he pointed out. “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me. It’s already happened quick. I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives, and to challenge myself with something new. I’m excited. As I was taught, family first, the rest is details.”
He closed out his announcement with a final note of gratitude: “your trust and your confidence,” adding, “And most of all, thank you to NBC News for what have been undoubtedly the most exciting years of my life.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section of an Instagram clip of the moment, sharing their well wishes—and a little heartbreak.
“You will be missed. Best wishes on your next era and enjoy time with your family!” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “Oh, Peter. Say it isn’t so. We are going to miss you! Best wishes in your new endeavor!❤️.”
Others didn’t hold back their disappointment, with one person calling his departure a “Huge loss for NBC!” while another thanked him for being “a trusted source of news for over two decades” and wished him well in his “next chapter.”