Trouble at NBC? Lester Holt is Out

Kevin K. McAleenan and Lester Holt, 2019. Photo courtesy of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Public domain.

Lester Holt, the face of "NBC Nightly News" for the past 10 years, announced he will be stepping down as anchor this summer. Holt, who has also served as the principal anchor of "Dateline" since 2011, is transitioning into a full-time role with the long-running true crime series. The news marks the end of an era for NBC's flagship news program, where Holt has covered some of the most significant events of the past decade.

Why Is He Leaving?

Holt's departure isn't a retirement but rather a shift in focus. He plans to dedicate his time fully to "Dateline," where he has been a mainstay for almost 15 years. His decision aligns with his passion for investigative journalism and storytelling — a natural fit for "Dateline's" in-depth style. NBC News has yet to name his successor, leaving speculation about who might fill his shoes.

How Long Has Holt Been at NBC?

Holt joined NBC News in 2000 after more than a decade at WBBM-TV in Chicago. He initially anchored weekend editions of "Nightly News" for eight years and co-anchored "Weekend TODAY" for 12 years before stepping into the lead role at "Nightly News" in 2015. His career spans over four decades, starting as a radio reporter in San Francisco and transitioning to television in New York and Los Angeles.

What's Next for Lester Holt?

Holt's new role at "Dateline" will keep him at NBC for years to come. His full-time commitment to the program signals a deeper dive into the investigative stories and interviews he is known for. Fans can expect more of his engaging storytelling, particularly in true crime and human-interest stories, which have become hallmarks of "Dateline." The move also aligns with NBC's broader strategy to strengthen its streaming and digital platforms — where "Dateline" has found a second life as a top-ranked podcast.

A Decade of Historic Coverage

During his decade with "Nightly News," Holt reported on defining moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the political rise of Donald Trump, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His exclusive interviews with leaders like former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy often set the news agenda. He has also covered natural disasters, mass shootings, and international conflicts — showcasing his versatility and commitment to journalism.

Holt's coverage often went beyond traditional reporting. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he not only relayed critical updates but also anchored "Nightly News: Kids Edition" — a digital newscast aimed at helping children understand the unfolding crisis. This innovative approach earned the show an Emmy nomination and further solidified Holt's role as a trusted voice across generations.

The Impact of Holt's Leadership

NBC executives, including Janelle Rodriguez, described Holt as "the beating heart of this news organization," according to NBC News. Under his leadership, "NBC Nightly News" consistently drew around 7 million viewers weekly, a testament to his broad appeal and trusted presence. His accolades include multiple Emmy Awards and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2019.

Holt's influence also extended to his colleagues. Many within NBC credit him with fostering a newsroom culture that prioritized truth and integrity — even during tumultuous times. His calm demeanor and thoughtful analysis became a hallmark of the broadcast, especially during live coverage of breaking news. Whether reporting from disaster zones or interviewing world leaders, Holt's approach remained steady — a quality that helped build and maintain viewer trust.

What Fans Can Expect From 'Dateline'

"NBC's Dateline," currently in its 33rd season, is synonymous with true crime and investigative reporting. The show has evolved into a top-ranked podcast and inspired scripted television content. Holt's expanded role could lead to more special reports and headline-making interviews. His fans, who admire his calm demeanor and in-depth storytelling, will likely follow him to "Dateline" for his new chapter.

With Holt at the helm, "Dateline" may also see an expansion of its formats — potentially offering more live specials or deep-dive investigations. His transition is part of a broader trend in television news, where networks are investing more in streaming content and digital-first programming. Holt's move could help bridge the gap between traditional broadcast audiences and younger, digital-savvy viewers.

Holt's Replacement

Tom Llamas will succeed Lester Holt as the new anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News later this summer, marking a significant shift for the network's flagship evening broadcast. Llamas, a Cuban American who previously anchored at ABC News and earlier interned at Telemundo, will become the first Latino to anchor the weekday edition of Nightly News. A longtime journalist with over 25 years of experience, he rejoined NBC in 2021 to host the evening program "Top Story with Tom Llamas" on NBC News Now. As he steps into Holt's role after Holt's decade-long tenure, Llamas will also continue to anchor "Top Story." His start date is expected to follow Holt's departure in early summer.

'Most-Trusted TV News Personality'

Lester Holt's transition marks both an end and a new beginning. His legacy is cemented by his coverage of historic events and his reputation as the "most-trusted television news personality in America." As he steps into this new role, viewers can look forward to seeing more of Holt's signature journalistic style — now with an even sharper focus on the stories that matter most.

Whether through "Dateline" or future special projects, Holt's storytelling is set to remain a significant part of NBC's offerings. His move is not just a career pivot but a strategic choice to continue delivering impactful journalism in a format that suits his strengths. As the news landscape evolves, Holt's influence will likely remain strong — offering viewers the reliable reporting they have come to expect from him.

References: Lester Holt is stepping down as anchor of 'NBC Nightly News' after a decade | Lester Holt to step down as anchor of NBC's flagship 'Nightly News' after a decade | Who Is Tom Llamas? Meet The New 'Nightly News' Anchor Replacing Lester Holt