Al Roker marked the 30th anniversary of his tenure on the NBC morning show on March 30, 2024. The 71-year-old meteorologist told News Of Los Angeles that he has no immediate plans to step away.
At a Glance
- 30th anniversary of Al Roker on Today
- Roker says retirement is not in the near future
- Highlights of his legacy: memorable interviews and historic moments
- Why it matters: The longtime anchor reflects on his impact and future role in broadcasting
Al Roker celebrated three decades of weather forecasts and human interest stories on Today. During an exclusive interview with News Of Los Angeles ahead of the milestone, he reaffirmed his dedication to the show and hinted at the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
30 Years on Today
Roker joined Today in 1996, replacing the late Willard Scott. Over the years, he has become a familiar face to millions of viewers. In the interview, he reflected on how his passion for the job has remained unchanged.
> “I love what I do,” he said. “I feel good. I love this job. I love doing it.”
He emphasized that the show’s mission has stayed consistent for 74 years, even as the presentation evolves.
- Mission unchanged: Bringing reliable news and weather to viewers
- Evolution of format: From classic broadcasts to modern digital integration
- Role of anchors: Temporary custodians of the legacy
Roker also noted that he feels part of a “pretty cool club,” a sentiment that underscores the prestige of being a Today host.
No Retirement in Sight
When asked about retirement, Roker was candid.
> “Well, let’s put it this way. I haven’t thought about retirement,” he told News Of Los Angeles. “Somebody at NBC, that might be a different story.”
He added that while he acknowledges the eventual transition, it is not imminent.
- No immediate plans: Roker will continue for the foreseeable future
- NBC’s role: Possible future changes handled by network
- Personal perspective: Focus on current responsibilities rather than long-term exit
Roker’s enthusiasm mirrors that of many long-time broadcasters who find joy in the daily routine of delivering news.
Legacy and Memories
Roker shared several memorable moments that illustrate his impact on the show and its audience.
Memorable Interviews
He recalled a day roughly ten years ago when he interviewed several comedy legends in California.
> “I interviewed Don Rickles, Betty White, Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke in one 24-hour period,” he remembered. “It was like, wow, I’m a kid from Queens out doing this.”
This anecdote highlights the breadth of Roker’s experience beyond weather forecasting.
Inauguration Moment
Roker also described a significant event during President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration.
> “Obama acknowledged when I asked him about the weather and then Vice President Biden runs up and shakes my hand,” he recounted. “It was the day of the inaugural but it also happened to be a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.”
He reflected on how the experience felt monumental, especially as a young person from Queens.
What Roker Wants People to Remember
Beyond personal achievements, Roker expressed a desire to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
> “People, when they watch, that they didn’t feel like I wasted their time,” he explained. “And that hopefully they felt better after watching than before.”
This statement underscores his commitment to providing value and positivity through his broadcasts.
Key Takeaways
- Al Roker celebrates 30 years on Today and has no retirement plans
- His passion for the show remains strong, and he sees himself as part of a legacy
- Memorable moments include interviewing comedy legends and meeting President Obama
- Roker’s goal is to leave viewers feeling better after watching
The 71-year-old meteorologist’s continued presence on Today reaffirms his dedication to delivering weather updates and human stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
