Peter Alexander exiting NBC after 22 years, leaves Saturday Today to spend time with family

Peter Alexander has announced he is departing NBC News after more than two decades with the network, including his role as co‑anchor of Saturday Today and longtime White House correspondent.

Alexander made the announcement on the March 28 broadcast of Saturday Today, revealing that he is stepping away from his on‑air weekend duties to seek a better work‑life balance and spend more time with his family in Washington, D.C. “I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News,” he told viewers, thanking colleagues and audiences for their support.

The 49‑year‑old first joined NBC News in 2004 and became co‑anchor of Saturday Today in 2018 while continuing his work as a White House correspondent, a role he began in 2012. Over the years, he covered major political and international events and became one of the network’s most recognisable journalists.

In explaining his exit, Alexander said he had spent more than 80 nights away from home in the past seven months and over 220 Friday nights away from his family in the last seven years, a schedule that weighed heavily on his decision. “I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional life,” he said.

Alexander also shared a heartfelt exchange with his daughters on the show, noting both their reactions to his departure and his commitment to being more present in their lives.

His exit comes at a time of broader changes within NBC News, and unconfirmed reports suggest Alexander may be moving to MS NOW, the newly rebranded network formerly known as MSNBC, where he could take on a weekday anchor role.

Alexander’s departure was met with warm messages from colleagues. Saturday Today co‑anchor Laura Jarrett praised him as “a brilliant journalist” and “a good and decent man,” while other NBC staff highlighted his extensive contributions to the network.

As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, Alexander emphasised gratitude and optimism, saying his time at NBC was among the most exciting of his life.