Tom Brokaw to Leave 'Nightly News' Dec. 1

NEW YORK - Tom Brokaw's sign-off date as anchor of NBC's top-rated 'Nightly News' has been set: it's Wednesday, Dec. 1.

His successor, Brian Williams, will take over as sole anchor the next day, the network announced Monday.

Brokaw, 64, announced two years ago that he will end his 'Nightly News' run shortly after the 2004 presidential election, giving way to longtime heir apparent Williams.

Brokaw began as 'Nightly News' anchor on April 5, 1982 teamed with Roger Mudd. He took over as sole anchor on Sept. 2, 1983.