At a Glance
- 30-year milestone for Al Roker on TODAY.
- Celebration features a montage of his most iconic moments.
- Co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and anchor Craig Melvin share reflections.
- Why it matters: Highlights a broadcaster who has shaped morning TV for three decades.
Al Roker is set to celebrate his 30-year anniversary on TODAY, the long-running morning program. The network will honor his legacy with a special segment that showcases his most memorable moments and includes commentary from co-anchor Savannah Guthrie and anchor Craig Melvin.

Al Roker’s 30-Year Journey
Al Roker’s career spans more than 71 years of broadcasting. His path to TODAY began in college as a weekend weathercaster at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, New York. He then moved to forecasting roles in Washington, D.C., and Cleveland, Ohio, before arriving at WNBC-TV in New York in 1983. There he became the station’s weeknight weather anchor and a regular on “Live at 5.”
In January 1996, Roker joined TODAY full-time. Prior to that, he co-hosted the Weather Channel’s morning program “Wake Up with Al,” further establishing his national profile.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Joined WNBC-TV as weeknight weather anchor |
| 1985 | Regular on “Live at 5” |
| 1996 | Joined TODAY as weather and feature anchor |
| 1996 | Began co-hosting the 3rd Hour |
| 2023 | Celebrates 30-year anniversary on TODAY |
Celebrating the Al-iversary
TODAY’s broadcast will feature a compilation of Roker’s most memorable moments over the years. Savannah Guthrie will reflect on his legacy, while Craig Melvin will discuss his impact on the show’s coverage. The segment also includes other highlights such as his role as co-host of the 3rd Hour and his long-standing relationships with local stations.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Roker has earned:
- Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards as part of the TODAY team
- Recognition from the American Meteorological Society
- A reputation for evolving modern weather presentation through graphics and on-the-ground reporting
Innovations in Weather Presentation
Roker is credited with helping to modernize weather segments by:
- Introducing advanced graphics to illustrate forecasts
- Conducting on-the-ground reporting to bring weather stories to life
- Collaborating with local stations to provide consistent, nationwide coverage
These innovations have become a staple of TODAY’s weather segments, setting a new standard for broadcast meteorology.
Beyond the Studio
Outside of the studio, Roker has:
- Authored several books
- Hosted radio and digital programs
- Led multiple “Rokerthon” events that set Guinness World Records
His work off the air has further cemented his status as a versatile media personality.
Roker’s Latest Book
In addition to his television career, Roker recently released a new book titled You Look So Much Better In Person. The book covers:
- A recent Broadway stint
- Life and relationship advice
- Personal anecdotes from his long career
The publication showcases Roker’s ability to connect with audiences beyond the weather desk.
Key Takeaways
- Al Roker celebrates a 30-year milestone on TODAY.
- His career began in college and progressed through major markets, culminating in a national platform.
- Roker’s innovations in weather presentation have influenced modern broadcast meteorology.
- He has received numerous awards and continues to engage audiences through books and events.
- The upcoming celebration highlights his lasting impact on morning television.

