Longtime broadcaster to retire after a 47-year career at the station starting in 1974.
Chuck Scarborough, the legendary broadcaster who has been a staple in New York City news for 50 years, has announced his decision to step down from his anchoring role at WNBC. In a heartfelt statement during the 6 p.m. newscast, the 81-year-old icon expressed his gratitude and reflected on his long and illustrious career. His final broadcast as anchor is scheduled for December 12, but he will continue to contribute to special projects at the network.
Chuck Scarborough, known for his iconic opening line, “Good evening, I’m Chuck Scarborough,” has been a trusted source of information for New Yorkers during major events such as blizzards, financial crises, terror attacks, and more. He played a pivotal role in delivering breaking news, including the assassination of John Lennon in 1980 and the coverage of the September 11 attacks. His dedication to journalism and his team’s exceptional reporting during the Covid pandemic have earned him widespread praise.
Having anchored WNBC’s 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. weekday news programs for over 40 years, Chuck Scarborough is considered a standard-bearer in American broadcast journalism. Although he stepped down from the late broadcast in 2016, he continued to co-anchor the 6 p.m. show until his recent announcement. The network plans to announce his successor at a later date.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Chuck Scarborough served in the U.S. Air Force before embarking on his journalism career. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and has worked as an anchor at various stations before joining WNBC in 1974. Throughout his tenure, he has witnessed and reported on New York City’s resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting the city’s ability to bounce back from challenges.
In March, Chuck Scarborough celebrated his 50th anniversary as a news anchor in New York City, emphasizing the city’s enduring spirit despite numerous setbacks. His departure marks the end of an era in New York journalism, as he passes the torch to a new generation of broadcasters.
Source: The NY Times
