April 19, 2004
Reuters

Tom Brokaw, the face of "NBC Nightly News" since 1983, will retire on Dec. 1, the network said on Monday.

The next evening, Brian Williams, who was named as Brokaw's successor in May 2002, is expected to take over as anchor and managing editor of the show. Williams joined NBC News in 1993.

Brokaw, a former host of NBC's "Today" show and White House correspondent who joined NBC News in 1966, had been expected to retire at some point following this November's U.S. presidential election.

A best-selling author of four books including 1998's "The Greatest Generation," Brokaw has also been seen by many as a potential candidate for elected office. Earlier this year, he denied any interest in running for vice president as a Democrat after a suggestion to that effect by columnist John Fund.

Expect Williams' arrival to be marked by new theme music, a new news set, and an overhaul in news division graphics.