Peter Alexander, NBC News chief White House correspondent and Saturday “Today” cohost, 49, has revealed he is leaving the network after 22 years. Alexander shared the news in an emotional Saturday “Today” segment on March 28. He said he made the decision so he could spend more time with his family, noting he lives in Washington, DC, a “trek” from the “Today” show studio in New York City.
Alexander grew up in the Oakland area and attended Head-Royce School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism in 1998.
Before joining NBC, Alexander worked in local television. He started with reporting roles, including KHQ-TV in Spokane (where he covered major stories like the arrest of the “Spokane Serial Killer” and conducted his first presidential interview with George W. Bush). He later served as lead reporter and substitute evening anchor at KCPQ-TV in Seattle.
Alexander joined NBC News in June 2004 as a national correspondent. His political coverage intensified during the 2012 presidential campaign, where he followed Republican nominee Mitt Romney. That year, Politico named him one of the “10 Breakout Reporters.” In December 2012, he was named NBC News White House correspondent. Alexander is an Emmy Award winner.
In October 2018, Alexander added another major role: co-anchor of Weekend Today (Saturday edition). He balanced the demanding White House beat with weekend anchoring duties for years, often commuting between Washington, D.C., and New York.
Higher profile ahead
Bill • March 30, 2026
On Saturday’s “Today,” Alexander said, “I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months, more than 220 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years. 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.”
The LA Times is reporting that Alexander will join MS NOW as an anchor — a weekday program and also handle breaking news coverage throughout the day.