Tom Brokaw retires from NBC News after more than half a century – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Veteran news anchor and senior correspondent Tom Brokaw is retiring from NBC News after 55 years, the network reported on Friday.

Brokaw has covered some of the most memorable events of the past half-century, from Watergate to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and for more than 20 years has been the face of the evening news at salons across the country as a host of NBC Evening News.

Brokaw began his career in Los Angeles, where he covered Ronald Reagan’s first run for public office, the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, and the 1968 presidential campaign.

In 1973, he moved to Washington, DC, where he became an NBC News correspondent in the White House during Watergate. He stayed there until 1976 before moving to New York to begin hosting TODAY.

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In 1983, he became the presenter and editor of “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw,” where he led the team for 22 years, the statement said. He was also moderator of “Meet the Press” after the death of longtime host Tim Russert, becoming the only anchor to host the network’s three flagship shows.

Brokaw has also written several books on 20th century American history and society, including “The Greatest Generation”.

Brokaw has won numerous journalism awards including Peabodys, Duponts, Emmys and the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcasting.

In 2016, Brokaw received the Legion of Honor from the French government for his advocacy on the issues facing veterans. In 2014, Brokaw received the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

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“During one of the most complex and important eras in American history, a new generation of NBC News reporters, producers and technicians are providing America with timely, insightful and critically important information. , 24/7. I couldn’t be prouder of them, ”Brokaw said in the written statement.

Born in Webster, South Dakota, Brokaw graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1964 before starting his television career with KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa. He joined NBC News in 1966.

Brokaw plans to continue writing books and newspaper articles, according to the retirement announcement, and spending time with his wife, Meredith, three daughters and grandchildren.