NBC News anchor announces sudden departure on air after covering Washington DC for 10 years

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE, US SENIOR REPORTER Published: 02:48, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 02:48, 25 August 2026 An NBC News anchor shocked viewers when he announced he was quitting his job live on air. Joseph Olmo has been with NBC Washington and the local Telemundo affiliate for the past three years.  However, he announced on Sunday he was breaking 'one more story' for his viewers during the evening newscast.  'For the better part of a decade, which includes three thrilling years right here at NBC 4, I have had one remarkable job,' he said.  'After almost 10 years in broadcasting, tomorrow night I will hit the streets of the DMV one final time as a local news reporter.'  He didn't explain his reasons for leaving but gave a heartfelt tribute to his life as a traveling reporter. 'You can cover the world, but nothing compares to being a local news reporter. Because think about it. Who else would tell you about all the things happening where we live?' A native of nearby Annapolis, Maryland, Olmo added: 'To watch all these moments in person and then share what I see with you has been so cool.' Joseph Olmo has been with NBC Washington and the local Telemundo affiliate for the past three years In an Instagram post of his televised resignation, Olmo cited 'Metro stations. Airport terminals. Beltways & highways. The National Mall & Montgomery Mall… and everything in between!' Olmo did not reveal where he would be going from here but suggested he wanted to do something different with his life. 'In life, you are often encouraged to dream big. But what happens when you have several dreams? I firmly believe our time here is way too short to get to the end and wonder what if I had tried that?' He did say in his Instagram goodbye that he would be 'staying right here at home. And if you know anything about me, then the next chapter won't be much of a surprise.' 'It's been the honor of a lifetime to talk with you — for nearly 10 years — about all the things happening in this beautiful region we call home!' Olmo also credited his fellow journalists and co-workers at NBC in Washington. 'Whenever you watch us on TV or online, remember one means many. You may see one person on at a time, but there are hundreds of people who get us here,” he said. 'And to my entire NBC 4 family, I say thank you for letting me be part of this accomplished team. And to everybody who watches us, thank you.' In an Instagram post of the video of his resignation, Olmo cited 'Metro stations. Airport terminals. Beltways & highways. The National Mall & Montgomery Mall… and everything in between!' Olmo didn't explain his reasons for leaving but gave a heartfelt tribute to his life as a traveling reporter Fans were devastated, with one commenting on Instagram: 'No, no, no!!!! I am seriously going to miss seeing you on Sunday nights and in your special reports. You brought such an excitement and life to your reporting that made us excited and interested too.' 'You were one of the few who made me stop and listen,' added another.  Olmo worked at DC News Now for three years before joining NBC Washington and also worked as a freelance journalist.  His LinkedIn page has not yet announced his next position.