Watch: NBC4 anchor Joseph Olmo announces surprise exit from journalism after 10 years; hints at next career move

NBC4 Washington (WRC) reporter and anchor Joseph Olmo said goodbye to viewers at the end of Sunday’s 11 PM news broadcast, announcing on-air that he is quitting and switching professions after nearly 10 years in broadcast journalism. He, however, did not yet announce where he is headed next. Olmo, who has been at NBC4 Washington covering the DC area since 2023, said, “Well, before we go tonight, I’ve got just one more story for you.” “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.

“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?” He further stated that it has been “remarkable” and “so cool” to work as a local news reporter and anchor at “a channel that’s been watched for nearly 80 years” with a “legendary” team that works 24/7. “So now to the bittersweet part,” Olmo said.

“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?” “So after almost 10 years in broadcasting, tomorrow night I will hit the streets of the DMV [DC, Maryland and Virginia area] one final time as a local news reporter.”




While Olmo did not reveal his exact career move, he teased viewers on-air, noting that for those who “know anything about me, you will not be surprised, my friends.” Although followers on Instagram speculated he might become a pilot given his frequent posts about planes and airlines, Olmo confirmed that guess is incorrect, according to New York Post.

“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,” Olmo added during his last broadcast. “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.”

A Look at Joseph Olmo’s Media Career

The Annapolis native and Catholic University alumnus spent about seven years covering the Washington region with NBC4 and sister station Telemundo 44 (WZDC), becoming a familiar face on News4 Today while reporting on breaking news, transportation and local stories. Before joining WRC, he spent about three years with DC News Now and worked in earlier freelance and multimedia journalism roles during the initial stages of his broadcast career.

As of now, his LinkedIn profile reflects no upcoming role following his departure from NBC4 Washington. Following his announcement, Olmo’s Instagram page was flooded with warm wishes from both colleagues and viewers.

“You have been such a good addition to the NBC4 team, Joseph! You will be missed,” one user wrote in the comment section, as quoted by NY Post. Another added: “Oh, no. Please don’t go, Joseph! You’re one of the coolest journalists on tv now.”