NBC 4 New York (WNBC) has announced a week of tributes to mark the 50th Anniversary of broadcast journalist Chuck Scarborough’s time at the New York NBC owned station.
Scarborough started working at WNBC on March 25, 1974, anchoring the news from Studio 6B in 30 Rockefeller Center, the current home of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“Chuck Scarborough is a giant in American journalism and the face of television news for generations of viewers, including me. He is also the longest serving television anchor in the largest, most prestigious television market in America – making his 50-year anniversary even more remarkable.” said Eric Lerner, president and general manager of NBC 4 New York. “This is a milestone that may never be broken and a wonderful testament to Chuck’s life-long passion for storytelling, his commitment to journalistic excellence and the deep admiration he holds among all of us.”
“In a city defined by change, Chuck has been a constant force for truth and exceptional journalism,” said Amy Morris, senior vice president of News for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47. “A half century after he walked into 30 Rock, he continues to lead by example, collaborating with the team and challenging everyone to make every newscast even better.”
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Scarborough began his television career as an anchor and operations manager at WLOX in Biloxi, Mississippi. He also worked as an anchor/reporter for WDAM in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; WAGA in Atlanta and WNAC in Boston.
On Monday, March 25 at 10 AM, Chuck Scarborough will join representatives from the Empire State Building and NBC 4 New York to “flip the switch” and light the Empire State Building in honor of his 50th anniversary. This special ceremony will be emceed by Scarborough’s 6 PM co-anchor Natalie Pasquarella. The ceremony will be streamed live on the station’s “NBC New York News” streaming channel, available on Peacock, The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Amazon Fire, Google TV, Freevee, TCL and Local Now. Click here for a step-by-step guide to accessing the streaming channel. NOTE: Professional media interested in covering the event can contact Madeline Fazio at mfazio@esrtreit.com or Jamie Steinberg at jsteinberg@esrtreit.com. Space is limited.
On Monday, March 25 at 4 PM, NBC 4 New York will begin airing one week of feature stories on “News 4 New York,” looking deeper at Scarborough’s biggest on-air moments and his ongoing work with the community. The broadcasts will also include televised vignettes featuring well-wishes to Scarborough, offered from prominent individuals.
On Thursday, March 28 at 7 PM, WNBC will air a 30-minute special tribute to Scarborough on the station’s over-the-air and digital platforms. Hosted by WNBC News Anchor David Ushery, “Chuck Scarborough’s 50th Anniversary” will look back at memorable moments from Scarborough’s 50-year career at WNBC. The broadcast special will also include interviews with Scarborough’s colleagues from the past and present.