Brokaw retires as anchorman

TOM BROKAW began with a report on US troops in Iraq. He ended the broadcast by saying farewell. After nearly 23 years in the NBC Nightly News anchor chair, Brokaw reminded his viewers that “we’ve been through a lot together, through dark days and nights, and seasons of hope and joy.

“Whatever the story, I had only one objective: to get it right,” he said, declaring in a slightly quavering voice how he was “always mindful that your patience and attention didn’t come with a lifetime warranty.”

Brokaw, aged 64, is leaving Nightly News and daily journalism to pursue other interests, including more time on his Montana ranch. But he will still contribute to NBC News, doing at least three documentaries a year.