After an impressive 50-year career as an anchor at NBC 4 New York, Chuck Scarborough is set to step down as the longest-serving local news anchor in the region.

On Thursday, the renowned journalist revealed that he will officially sign off for the last time during the 6 p.m. broadcast next month, referring to it as a “retirement with an asterisk.” His final day on air will be December 12.

“I feel nothing but gratitude,” Scarborough, 81, shared in a statement. “For over 50 years, our viewers at WNBC have welcomed me into their homes, trusting me to report the news objectively, without bias, and to provide crucial information during both challenging and joyful times. It has been an incredible honor.”

“We are lucky that after Chuck’s last newscast, he will still be with the News 4 New York team from time to time, working on special projects,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York.

Throughout the years, Scarborough has kept New Yorkers informed during significant events, including the assassination of John Lennon, the September 11 attacks, the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scarborough’s journey at WNBC began on March 25, 1974, in Studio 6B at 30 Rockefeller Center, a milestone he commemorated earlier this year by lighting up the Empire State Building. He initially co-anchored both the 6 and 11 p.m. news segments but transitioned to just the 6 p.m. show, working alongside Natalie Pasquarella, beginning in 2016.

Before joining New York’s largest local news station, Scarborough launched his career as a news anchor in Biloxi, Mississippi, after serving as an electronics engineer in the Air Force. He progressively moved through bigger markets, including Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Atlanta, and Boston.

“As I stand here at these doors, I reflect on walking through them fifty years ago,” Scarborough remarked during a special 50th-anniversary segment. “It’s hard to believe — I never imagined the adventures that awaited me in covering this vibrant city. This is such an exciting place, and I’ve been privileged to witness it all for half a century.”

In closing his 30-minute segment, Scarborough said, “When I came to NBC in 1974, I could never have envisioned being here 50 years later. Time tends to slip by while we are caught up in the daily noise. Nonetheless, none of this would have been possible without your support.

“I owe my success to a talented team of broadcast professionals both in front of and behind the camera, and I hold them in great respect. But without you, this accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you for your unwavering loyalty and trust throughout these years.”