After more than a decade at NBC News, Peter Alexander is stepping into a new role at MS NOW, the cable news channel formerly called MSNBC. And the veteran White House reporter will anchor his own show for the first time when the weekday program State of Play With Peter Alexander debuts on Monday, August 10, at 11 a.m. Eastern.
“I’m so proud of my years at NBC News, but I’m 50 now!” Alexander told People in a new interview. “It’s time for something new. I’ve never had my own show before, and that’s a privilege that’s not lost on me. I see an hour-long daily program both as a responsibility and an opportunity, especially at this moment.”
Alexander, who was pulling double duty as a White House correspondent and a Saturday Today anchor before his NBC News exit in March, will also serve as MS NOW’s chief national reporter and breaking news anchor. And with State of Play, based in Washington, D.C., he’ll “provide viewers with authoritative reporting, thoughtful conversations, and in-depth analysis of the biggest political and national stories shaping the day,” the network says in a press release.
“With my new show, I promise to focus on the facts and to provide context about what’s happening,” he explained to People. “I believe that is how you build trust, one day at a time. Stick to the facts, be transparent about what we do and do not know, and ask tough questions regardless of party. I still believe deeply in the critical role a free press plays in a democracy.”
Alexander also raved about the “unmatched energy” at MS NOW, saying the reporters at the news organization are “not only smart and motivated, they’re unafraid.”
He added, “People want — frankly, they deserve — smart journalism,” he says, “and those of us who are lucky to work at places like MS NOW, that support our hard work, are going to keep pushing to meet the moment and get it right.”
And Alexander is also relishing the chance to have more time with wife Alison and daughters Ava and Emma. “I’ll still be chasing big stories, covering breaking news, and interviewing those who are making headlines,” he said, “but I’ll also be home, sleeping in my own bed much more often.”
State of Play With Peter Alexander, Series Premiere, Monday, August 10, 11a/10c, MS NOW