Chuck Scarborough Exits As NBC 4 New York Anchor, Ending 50-Year Run; David Ushery To Succeed Him

It's the end of an era for those of us who grew up in the Tri-State area.

Chuck Scarborough announced at the close of the Nov. 21 newcast that he will step down from his role anchoring the news at NBC 4 New York.

Scarborough's last day anchoring at WNBC will be Thursday, Dec. 12.

"The time has come to pass the torch," Scarborough said on-air tonight, breaking some news of his own. "Fifty years, eight months and 17 days" after first setting foot at WNBC, "I will step away from this anchor desk."

"I'll have more to say to you and my esteemed colleagues then," he added. "But for now, I'll offer a simple, heartfelt thank you for allowing me into your living room and trusting us to bring you the news."

Scarborough's 50-year run is a record-setting one, as the New York City DMA's (Designated Market Area) longest-serving local television news anchor. Moving forward, Scarborough will serve a periodic contributor to special station projects and programming.

"Chuck Scarborough is the gold standard in American broadcast journalism," Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York, said in a statement. "His skills as an anchor, reporter and newsroom leader are unmatched — and he is a pretty special guy off-camera too. 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."

David Ushery will succeed Scarborough as co-anchor of the evening news effective Monday, Dec. 16.