NBC Anchor Announces Surprise Exit While Fox News Strengthens The Five With Permanent Co-Host
A longtime NBC News anchor stunned viewers Monday evening with a live on-air announcement just moments before the end of the program. Joseph Olmo revealed that he is leaving NBC Washington.
“Well, before we go tonight, I’ve got just one more story for you,” he told the audience. “After almost ten years in broadcasting, tomorrow night I will hit the streets of the DMV one final time as a local news reporter.”
Olmo has covered the U.S. capital region for about seven years with NBC4 and Telemundo 44. A native of Annapolis, Maryland, he reflected on the unique value of local reporting.
“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 said. “To watch all these moments in person and then share what I see with you has been so cool.”
Olmo indicated he wants to pursue other dreams and interests. “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?”
He closed by thanking colleagues and viewers. “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. 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.”
Meanwhile, Fox News is making a significant change to the lineup of its highest-rated program, filling a permanent seat that has been vacant for more than a year. The move also means one familiar personality will leave her longtime position on another popular daytime show.
Emily Compagno has been named a full-time co-host of The Five and will officially join the permanent lineup beginning September 8, Fox News announced. She will join Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, and Jesse Watters. Harold Ford Jr. and Jessica Tarlov will continue sharing the program’s rotating liberal seat.
Compagno has regularly appeared on The Five as a rotating co-host. She will fill the permanent seat previously occupied by Jeanine Pirro, who left Fox News in May 2025 and later became U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Compagno’s promotion means she will leave Outnumbered, where she has served as a co-host since 2021. Fox has not yet named a permanent replacement and will use rotating personalities in the interim.
Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott praised Compagno in the announcement. “Fifteen years later, The Five remains a powerhouse and appointment viewing for millions of Americans,” Scott said. “Emily is a highly accomplished host whose energy and talent have made her a standout across FOX News Media, and we are thrilled to officially welcome her to the show.”
Compagno expressed her gratitude. “I couldn’t be more honored to join The Five, a team I have long admired and have been fortunate to work alongside over the years. Having an official seat at the table on what I truly believe is the most fun show on television is an incredible privilege.”
The promotion comes as The Five continues to deliver strong ratings for Fox News. The program celebrated its 15th anniversary in July and averaged 3.6 million viewers during the second quarter of 2026.
The dual developments highlight ongoing shifts in the media landscape, with one veteran local reporter stepping away to explore new opportunities while a rising Fox personality solidifies her place on one of cable news’ most-watched programs.
Benjamin Harris is a RapidReports front page contributor and editor,proud father of four.
