Peter Alexander is leaving NBC News after nearly 22 years with the network, including 15 years covering the White House and eight years as co-anchor of “Saturday Today,” according to a source. The decision comes after years of being passed over for top anchor positions at NBC’s flagship shows, including “Today” and “Nightly News.” Alexander, who also serves as the network’s chief White House correspondent, cited the demanding 6-7 day workweeks as a key factor in his departure, though he was also reportedly frustrated by his lack of opportunities for higher-profile roles. Alexander took over the “Saturday Today” anchor slot in 2018, replacing Craig Melvin, who was moved to weekday mornings to “elevate” his career. Melvin later became the lead anchor of “Today,” leaving Alexander without a clear path to that position. In recent years, NBC filled other top anchor roles with Tom Llamas at “Nightly News,” Kristin Welker at “Meet the Press,” and Hallie Jackson at “Weekend Nightly News.” With these positions already occupied, Alexander said he would pursue a new direction. His last day at NBC News is set for Saturday, and he plans to transition to an 11 a.m. weekday anchor role at MS Now, the rebranded MSNBC network that was split from NBC following a restructuring in 2025. The move marks a significant shift for Alexander, who has been a staple of NBC’s news coverage for over two decades. A spokesperson for NBC did not respond to inquiries about his departure. The decision highlights the competitive nature of television news, where long tenures at major networks often come with limited opportunities for advancement. Alexander’s departure underscores the challenges faced by anchors who seek to move into higher-profile roles, even as the industry continues to evolve with new platforms and restructuring efforts.#white_house #nbc_news #ms_now #peter_alexander #saturday_today
