Peter Alexander will join MS NOW as anchor of its 11 a.m. ET hour, the network confirmed, following his departure from NBC News.
Alexander, who has been NBC News chief White House correspondent and co-host of NBC News’ Saturday Today, announced on the show that he was leaving after 22 years with the network.
AT MS NOW, Alexander also will be a breaking news anchor and chief national reporter. He also will contribute to other outlets in MS NOW Versant’s portfolio, including sports.
MS NOW has been building up its news division since the split with Comcast, and the network recently unveiled an overhaul of its daytime lineup.
MS NOW President Rebecca Kutler wrote in a memo to employees, “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.”
Alexander has been based in Washington, D.C., but has commuted to New York each Friday evening to co-host Today on Saturday morning.
“I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months, more than 220 Friday nights, 220 Fridays nights away from my family in the last seven years,” Alexander told viewers on Saturday. “So it’s a limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me. It’s happened quick. I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives and to challenge myself with something new.”
Kutler wrote, “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.”