Peter Alexander has announced he is leaving his role as co-anchor of Saturday Today after nearly 22 years with NBC News. The 49-year-old journalist revealed his decision on Saturday's broadcast, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Alexander joined NBC in 2004, covering international stories such as the 2005 Iraq election and the death of Osama bin Laden. He later served as a White House correspondent and sports reporter before becoming co-anchor of Saturday Today in 2018.
Speaking on air, Alexander said: 'This morning I am bursting with pride and with gratitude. I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News.' He added that the commute from Washington D.C. had kept him away from home for more than 80 nights in the last seven months and over 200 Friday nights in the last seven years.
Alexander has two daughters, Ava, 12, and Emma, 10, with his wife Alison Starling. He said: '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.'
His co-host Laura Jarrett fought back tears as she praised him: 'You are a brilliant journalist. You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father.' Alexander responded: 'Studio 1A … this is literally my happy place.'
During his tenure as White House correspondent, Alexander famously clashed with President Donald Trump, who called him a 'terrible reporter' in 2020 and again in 2025. Alexander’s future plans have not been announced.
