Sunday, 18 October 2026

jim handly wrc tv departure: NBC anchor retires after 35 years

Longtime NBC Washington anchor Jim Handly announced on Monday he will retire after the November midterm elections, ending a 35‑year tenure at WRC‑TV.

jim handly wrc tv departure: NBC anchor retires after 35 years

Jim Handly announced his departure from WRC‑TV on Monday, confirming the jim handly wrc tv departure after a 35‑year run. He will retire following the November midterm elections, ending one of the longest tenures in local television.

jim handly wrc tv departure

The veteran anchor shared the news live, describing it as a "personal breaking news" moment. He thanked the team, noting the strong support they gave each other over the decades.

NBC Washington anchor Jim Handly to retire in November after 35 years

Handly’s statement highlighted his gratitude for the "best team in the business" and the "amazing memories" built at the station. He emphasized that the decision aligns with his desire to step away after the upcoming elections.

After 35 years and ‘quite a run’ on air, beloved NBC anchor says goodbye

During his career, Handly covered presidential inaugurations, major elections, hurricanes, and championship celebrations for the Nationals and Capitals. His reporting earned him multiple Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award, underscoring his impact on the region’s news landscape.

Longtime NBC4 News Anchor Jim Handly Is Retiring

Beyond the nightly broadcasts, Handly was a familiar presence at community events and a mentor to younger journalists. Colleagues described his departure as the end of an era for NBC Washington.

Looking ahead, the station will likely promote from within to fill the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. slots, though no official successor has been named yet. Viewers can expect a transition period as the newsroom adjusts to the change.

Sources: WTOP News, SILive.com, Northern Virginia Magazine.

Frequently asked questions

When will Jim Handly retire?
He plans to retire after the November 2026 midterm elections, as announced on air Monday.
How many years did Jim Handly work at WRC‑TV?
Handly spent 35 years as a news anchor with NBC Washington (WRC‑TV).
Which newscasts did he anchor?
He anchored the station's 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts.
What awards has he received?
During his career he earned multiple Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
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