Lester Holt to Step Down as Anchor of ‘NBC Nightly News’

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This summer, the host of NBC Nightly News, Lester Holt, will be transitioning out of his current position and taking on a full-time role instead with the primetime news program, Dateline.

Holt and NBC News executives announced the move to staff Monday morning.

For the past ten years, Lester Holt has served as the main host for the Nightly News, taking over from Brian Williams. Prior to his current role, he was in charge of the weekend Nightly News and often stepped in as the primary substitute anchor when Williams was absent. Holt started working with NBC News back in 2000, and since 2011, he’s been a key contributor to Dateline.

I can’t help but smile when I realize that I’ve anchored two of the most renowned and influential television news programs ever aired – Nightly News and Dateline,” Holt penned to his team. “As a young radio journalist covering the police beat in San Francisco, I never dreamt my career would take me here. It’s been an extraordinary journey.

At Dateline, Holt expressed his intention to increase his involvement by “broadening my scope within the broadcast and designing Dateline episodes on topics I am deeply passionate about.” He’s excited to collaborate more closely with the exceptionally skilled team at Dateline, as the program continues to flourish and gain new viewers in diverse locations.

For quite some time, Holt has held a deep affection for Dateline, finding delight in the in-depth journalism it offers. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter back in 2023, he mentioned that he’s taken advantage of the platform to investigate topics that personally intrigue him.

There’s a lot of interest in crime reporting, and ‘Dateline’ does it particularly well, he noted. However, it’s important to clarify that we’re not just about true crime. I visited Louisiana State Prison in Angola, Louisiana, and stayed a couple of nights there to delve deeper into the concept of mass incarceration. This is an aspect I value, as it allows us to dedicate an hour to thoroughly explore a specific topic.

In an internal communication to the team, NBC News Executive Vice President, Janelle Rodriguez, referred to Holt as “the pulsating core of our news operation.

She noted that he’s earned profound respect and awe not only from our team, peers in the industry, but also viewers. What makes this even more impressive is how Lester has skillfully taken on this prestigious position with an exceptional level of grace and humility. He consistently demonstrates why he belongs among the legendary figures in broadcast news.”

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“She pointed out that he’s gained deep respect and admiration from our work environment, fellow professionals, and viewers as well. What’s equally striking is how Lester has elegantly handled this esteemed position with remarkable humility. He repeatedly shows us why he stands among the great legends in broadcast journalism.”

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“She emphasized that he’s earned significant respect and awe from our newsroom, industry peers, and viewers above all. What’s equally noteworthy is how Lester has gracefully filled this prestigious role with humility. He continually demonstrates why he deserves a place among the great legends in broadcast journalism.”

or

“She underscored that he’s earned profound respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry associates, and primarily viewers. What’s equally striking is how Lester has elegantly assumed this prestigious position with grace and humility. He continually proves why he is counted among the great legends in broadcast journalism.”

or

“She highlighted that he’s earned deep respect and awe from our newsroom, industry peers, and viewers, especially. What’s equally remarkable is how Lester has skillfully taken on this esteemed position with extraordinary grace and humility. He consistently shows us why he belongs among the great legends of broadcast journalism.

Without a doubt, Holt’s departure has sparked discussions about who will replace him as the anchor for the Nightly News. For quite some time, there have been whispers within the company about Holt retiring. Tom Llamas, who joined NBC News recently from ABC, is being considered as one potential replacement. Additionally, given that Lester Holt shifted from weekends to weekdays, Hallie Jackson and Jose Diaz-Balart, the weekend anchors for Nightly, are also being mentioned as possible contenders.

After NBC News anchor Holt has decided to move on from his flagship show and take up a new position within the company, he becomes the second high-profile anchor to do so this month. Previously, Hoda Kotb had stepped down as anchor of the Today show, with Craig Melvin taking over her role.

You can read Holt’s note to staff, below.

Hello everyone from the Nightly News and Dateline teams, I’d like to discuss an important choice I’ve made concerning my future with NBC News. This decision brings me immense joy as it means I’ll be sticking around for many more years, continuing in a role that I truly enjoy.

After a decade, or 17 years if counting weekends too, it’s time for me to leave my position as anchor for Nightly News. It’s been an immense privilege to work alongside all of you daily, with journalism serving as our guiding star and always keeping our viewers top of mind in everything we produce.

Before wrapping up, I have some exciting news to share. I’m delighted to announce that I will be continuing in my role as anchor for Dateline NBC, but this time with a full-time commitment. This means I will increase my presence on the broadcast and create Dateline episodes centered around topics that matter deeply to me. I can’t wait to collaborate more closely with the incredibly talented team at Dateline as we continue to expand and reach new audiences in various regions.

Before ending, I have some exciting news. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be working full-time for Dateline NBC now, which means I’ll increase my involvement in the broadcast and create episodes focusing on topics close to my heart. I can’t wait to work closely with my exceptionally talented colleagues at Dateline as we continue to grow and attract new viewers across diverse regions.)

Feels wonderful to me when I reflect that I’ve anchored two of television history’s most renowned and enduring news programs with Nightly News and Dateline. Starting out as a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat in San Francisco, I never dreamt my career would follow such an extraordinary trajectory. What a thrilling journey it’s been!

To everyone at Dateline and Nightly News, you’re an exceptional team that I consider top-notch in journalism. Working alongside such a talented group is nothing short of a genuine honor for me.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and understanding during this transition.

I’m intending to host Nightly News until just before summer starts. As we draw nearer, I’ll definitely confirm the exact date and keep everyone informed. For now, let me tell you that, as per our custom, when my stint ends, I’d love to share a bowl of banana pudding with my Nightly friends!

With deep affection and admiration,

Lester

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2025-02-24 19:24