thomas john brokaw (born february 6, 1940 in webster, south dakota) is a popular american television journalist and is the former anchorman (host) of "nbc nightly news with tom brokaw". his last appearance as anchorman was on december 1, 2004. in the later part of hosting "nbc nightly news", the program became the most-watched news program in the united states. brokaw has received many awards and honors.