'To Catch a Predator' reporter Chris Hansen leaving NBC after 20 years

Published April 06, 2016

In this Oct. 24, 2008 file photo, NBC News reporter Chris Hansen attends the Friars Club Roast of "Today" show host Matt Lauer in New York. Hansen, who is best known for his "Dateline NBC" reports confronting would-be child predators, is leaving the network. (AP)

An NBC News reporter best known for his "Dateline NBC" reports featuring him confronting would-be child sex predators is leaving the network.

Chris Hansen stepped from the shadows in the long-running "To Catch a Predator" series to confront men lured to houses thinking they were about to meet minors they had contacted online for sex. NBC on Monday confirmed a TV Guide story saying Hansen is leaving after 20 years.

Hansen says through NBC he's looking forward to pursuing new opportunities on air and as a producer. He says new projects will be announced in the next few months.