The Real Reason Peter Alexander Is Leaving Today After Years of Reportedly Being Passed Over for ‘Top Anchor Jobs’
Peter Alexander has been a staple at Saturday Today for so long that it’s hard to imagine the show without him. But we will have to do just that. Alexander announced on March 28 that he will be departing NBC News. But why is he leaving not just his weekend job but his role as NBC News’ chief White House correspondent?
Was it his own decision? Was he fired? And where can we expect to see him next? Here’s everything we know about the next steps for Alexander.
Why Is Peter Alexander Leaving Today & Was He Fired?
Peter Alexander is leaving Saturday’s Today broadcast of his own volition. He will be going over to MS NOW, where he will be anchoring the network’s weekday 11 a.m. slot. He will also serve as the network’s chief national reporter and serve as a breaking news anchor. Alexander is also expected to contribute to the network’s larger portfolio, according to Variety.
“For more than two decades, Peter has built a reputation for his professionalism, intrepid reporting, and sharp questioning of presidents of both parties. He is one of the most respected and beloved journalists in the Washington press corps, and we are honored to have him join our newsroom,” Rebecca Kutler, MS NOW’s president, said in a memo to staffers Monday.
“Whether behind the anchor desk or reporting from the field, Peter is also the rare journalist who can straddle lifestyle, politics, and breaking news with ease. As co-anchor of ‘Saturday Today,’ Peter has demonstrated this unique versatility. He brought compassion and humanity to the weekends, building a connection with viewers, all while leading the network’s White House coverage.”
The move comes after reports that Alexander was looking for more responsibility. “He’d be the first to say he’s had ambitions for the top anchor jobs, and with all of those spots recently filled, he’s going to try something new,” a source told Page Six.
“Honestly, we’re in the business of using words, I’ve got no words to describe what this place has meant to me. NBC is at my core through and through,” Alexander said during his Saturday broadcast. “I love everybody here. I wish everyone continued success.”
“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,” he added. “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.”
Chloe Arensberg, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief, and Matt Carluccio, executive producer of weekend broadcasts of “Today,” reportedly said in a memo to staffers: “Peter has been a trusted presence with great range across NBC News, and a friend to so many across the Washington Bureau, ‘Today’ and the broader NBC News team. We are grateful for all his contributions and wish him the best.”
Alexander’s Saturday Today replacement has not been named.
