Well-known broadcast journalist Chuck Scarborough has announced his plan to retire next month after working for over 50 years as a news anchor at NBC 4 New York, leaving with a record as the longest-employed reporter at the network.
Scarborough began his tenure with WNBC on March 25, 1974, anchoring the 6 PM and 11 PM weekday news from Studio 6B in 30 Rockefeller Center, where the “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is currently broadcasted. He stepped away from WNBC’s 11 PM anchor chair after more than 42 years in 2016, but remained a co-anchor for the 6 PM daily newscast, working alongside co-news anchor Natalie Pasquarella, lead sports anchor Bruce Beck and meteorologist Janice Huff.
“In a city and business that are constantly changing, Chuck has been the rock of 30 Rock, guiding viewers and news teams for half a century,” said Amy Morris, Senior Vice President of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47. “As he starts a new chapter, we honor Chuck by building on his legacy to make WNBC a force for the next 50 years.”
On March 25 of this year, Scarborough celebrated his golden anniversary with WNBC in a series of commemorative events. including the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building in his honor.
“Chuck Scarborough is the gold standard in American broadcast journalism. His skills as an anchor, reporter and newsroom leader are unmatched – and he is a pretty special guy off-camera too,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York. “We are fortunate that after Chuck’s last newscast next month, he will return to his News 4 New York family from time to time and report on special projects.”
In a press release, WNBC shared exclusive, archived video content from Scarborough’s career, which is available by visiting nbcnewyork.com/chuck.
Scarborough’s last day anchoring at WNBC is scheduled to be Thursday, Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. Yet, the news outlet said he “will continue to be a part of the WNBC family and provide special reports and contributions to special station projects and programming.”
His successor for the 6 PM broadcast will be announced at a later date.
“There is only one word: gratitude,” said Scarborough in a public statement. “Our WNBC viewers welcomed me into their homes for more than 50 years, trusting me to present the news free of any agenda, faithful to the fundamental principles of accuracy, objectivity and fairness—and to bring them vital, timely information during our darkest and brightest hours. That has been an extraordinary honor.”
