NBC News has yet to announce a successor for the veteran news anchor, who has held the prestigious role since June 2015.
On Monday, February 24, Lester Holt announced that he would be stepping down from “NBC Nightly News” at the beginning of the summer. Fans quickly reacted, speculating whether the decision was voluntary or influenced, while some even suggested potential replacements.
Lester Holt on “NBC Nightly News,” on August 12, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Holt has been the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” for a decade. Before that, he was in charge of the weekend editions of the news broadcast for eight years. The media guru has also co-anchored “Weekend TODAY” for 12 years.
Now, he has announced his departure from “NBC Nightly News,” writing in a note, “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”
Lester Holt on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” on February 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
His departure from the program has come as a surprise to fans, who have shared their opinions on the sudden move. One curious viewer questioned the circumstances, “On his own, or is he being forced out?” Another seemed to suspect an underlying reason, stating, “This is sad, but we all know why😒.”
Some were quick to guess his next move, “He’s just moving over to ‘Dateline.’” Meanwhile, others boldly suggested a potential successor, “I’m just going to say it, Tom Llamas would be the perfect fit to be new Anchor of @NBCNews🙂🤷♂️.”
As he leaves “NBC Nightly News,” Holt has expressed his gratitude and pride in having anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in history, “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline.”
He recalled his early days as a 20-year-old radio reporter covering the police beat in San Francisco, noting that he never could have imagined the path his journey would take.
Lester Holt does some juggling after getting information about 16-inch softball vs. regular softball from Krista Scyphers as he visits softball fields in Lincoln Park, on May 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Holt, who has served as principal anchor of “Dateline” since September 2011, will continue in this role, but now, in a full-time capacity. “I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” he noted.
As much as he has left “NBC News Nightly,” Holt is excited to collaborate more closely with his talented colleagues at “Dateline.” His hope is that they will grow and attract new viewers together from new places.
He praised his colleagues at “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline” calling them an exceptional team of journalists and emphasizing what a privilege it had been to work alongside them. As he prepares for his transition, he thanked them for their support and understanding.
Holt also shared that he plans to continue anchoring “NBC Nightly News” until early summer, promising to confirm a final date as it approaches. In keeping with tradition, he looks forward to marking the occasion with banana pudding, a customary send-off treat among his “NBC Nightly News” team.
Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ Executive Vice President of Programming, has also weighed in on Holt’s departure from “NBC Nightly News.” In a brief update, she wrote, “Because of Lester’s steady and thoughtful leadership, Nightly News has sustained its perch as a trusted and top news destination for millions of viewers across America.”
Rodriguez highlighted Holt’s leadership during some of the nation’s most difficult moments over the past decade. She noted that he guided the network through major events, particularly the early days of the pandemic when his presence provided reassurance to viewers.
Rodriguez also praised Holt for his work and dedication in bringing audiences to the frontlines of major stories, conducting interviews with world leaders, and asking critical questions on significant issues. “Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization,” she added.
Beyond his journalistic achievements, she commended Holt’s ability to carry out his role with grace and humility, qualities that solidify his place among the greatest figures in broadcast news. Holt’s ability to provide balanced journalism has solidified his reputation as a trusted news source.
A 2018 Hollywood Reporter/Morning Consult survey of 2,200 adults found that Holt is the most trusted television news personality in America. He earned the trust of 32 percent of respondents by “a lot” and 30 percent by “some,” placing him ahead of his competitors.
ABC News’ David Muir and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts followed closely, with 28 percent of respondents trusting them “a lot.” Holt’s credibility has been built over years of delivering steady, reliable reporting on major national and global events.
He also received advice that has gotten to where he is today. The best advice he has ever received emphasizes the importance of preparation, as opportunities often arise unexpectedly. He was told that success comes from being ready when doors open, as it has in his own career.
Therefore, his guidance to young professionals is to always think ahead and develop skills for future roles. By doing so, they can confidently seize opportunities when they arise, knowing they’ve prepared in advance.
Holt is now about to pass the “NBC Nightly News” baton to another person, including the huge legacy of trust the show has built for over 75 years. The anchor noted that the show always strives to be relevant by covering hot and trendy topics such as artificial intelligence.
Holt has covered major global events throughout his four-decade career, from breaking news to international diplomacy. He gained rare access inside Tehran in 2019, reported on US-North Korea tensions in 2018, and covered the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
His work includes reporting on terrorist attacks in Europe, the Arab Spring in Egypt, and the aftermath of devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Japan. Holt has also covered the migrant crisis in Hungary, U.S.-Cuba relations, and military operations in Afghanistan.
Most recently, he led NBC’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and launched “Nightly News: Kids Edition” to educate young viewers.
Additionally, as a preeminent broadcast journalist, Holt was chosen to moderate the first presidential debate of 2016, which became the most-watched in American history.
In recent years, he has emerged as a leading voice on criminal justice reform. In 2019, he spearheaded the “Justice for All” series, a groundbreaking multi-platform initiative across NBC News.
Lester Holt speaks onstage at the Committee to Protect Journalists 29th Annual International Press Freedom Awards in New York City, on November 21, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
For “Dateline,” Holt has anchored investigative reports, including “Life Inside,” part of the “Justice for All” series. Previously, he explored the link between childhood asthma and poverty in America.
Holt’s excellence in journalism has earned him multiple Emmy Awards and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. In 2019, he received the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.
His accolades also include Quinnipiac University’s Fred Friendly First Amendment Award in 2017. In 2016, he was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s Most Powerful People in New York, and recognized as Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists.
