Some jobs are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and so it is for the anchor of NBC’s Nightly News.
The current anchor, Tom Brokaw, announced Tuesday that after the 2004 presidential election, Brian Williams will be his successor, according to The Associated Press.
A legend in his own time, Brokaw, 62, has dominated NBC’s evening news program for nearly two decades as its anchor, a position journalism considers its most glamorous role. But soon enough we’ll be watching Williams, the 43-year-old regular substitute for Brokaw and host of his own nightly newscast on MSNBC and CNBC.
Brokaw admits the date of his last Nightly News broadcast–until he covers the next presidential election–is arbitrary; however, he told the AP, “I wanted to do it in a way…that there would be some date certain so that [Williams] could plan his future and the organization can plan for a reasonable and orderly transition.”
Both Brokaw and Williams signed new contracts, although terms were not disclosed. Brokaw will continue to host NBC News specials after Williams takes over, AP reports. Williams’ upcoming deal was believed to be for at least five years.
