Janelle Rodriguez Is Leaving NBC News After 12 Years

Janelle Rodriguez is leaving NBC News after nearly 12 years at the network. The executive vice president of programming announced her departure in a staff memo, closing a tenure that included building NBC News Now and overseeing major changes at the company’s flagship evening broadcast.

Rodriguez said she had spent considerable time considering her next chapter and decided that now was the right moment to move on. She did not disclose a new job, but said she would remain available to support colleagues during the transition.

A major role in NBC News’ streaming expansion

One of Rodriguez’s most consequential assignments was helping launch and grow NBC News Now, the network’s round-the-clock streaming news service. That work placed her at the center of NBC’s effort to reach viewers beyond traditional television schedules as news consumption increasingly shifted toward connected devices and on-demand platforms.

Her portfolio also included breaking-news specials and NBC Nightly News. Rodriguez oversaw the anchor transition from Lester Holt to Tom Llamas, who became anchor and managing editor in 2025. TheWrap reports that the broadcast subsequently recorded several weekly victories among viewers ages 25 to 54, an important audience for television advertisers.

In her farewell note, Rodriguez highlighted a demanding year of major broadcasts, interviews, international events and a new show launch. She also praised the team she worked with and said she would continue cheering on the organization after her departure.

Catherine Kim takes on a broader portfolio

NBC News is redistributing some of Rodriguez’s responsibilities rather than naming a direct replacement immediately. Catherine Kim has been appointed executive vice president of editorial and content, expanding her role to include NBC News Now and special coverage.

Variety reports that Rodriguez had been reporting to president of editorial Rebecca Blumenstein since an internal restructuring in October 2025. Her exit comes as large broadcast newsrooms continue balancing legacy programs with streaming operations and digital audiences.

The next destination for Rodriguez remains unannounced. For NBC News, the immediate task is maintaining momentum across its evening broadcast and streaming service while Kim assumes oversight of a wider editorial operation.