Lester Holt to Step Down as Anchor of ‘NBC Nightly News’: Holt will stay with NBC News in a full-time role at the newsmagazine ‘Dateline.‘Lester Holt, one of the most recognizable names in American broadcasting, will be stepping down as the anchor of NBC Nightly News this summer. This marks a significant turning point in his career, but he isn’t leaving NBC News entirely. Holt will transition to a new full-time role at Dateline, the long-running primetime newsmagazine. This move, announced to staff this Monday, comes after a remarkable tenure that spanned over a decade, where Holt solidified his place as one of the most trusted faces in television journalism.
Since taking over as the anchor of Nightly News in 2015, Lester Holt has made a lasting impact. But his journey with NBC News began much earlier—back in 2000—when he started as a correspondent. Before he became the face of the weekday Nightly News, Holt served as the weekend anchor and often filled in for Brian Williams. He also contributed to Dateline for years, a program Holt says has always been close to his heart.
In his message to the staff, Holt shared a sense of nostalgia for the many years he’s spent in broadcast journalism. He reflected, “A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history.” Holt continued, speaking candidly about his journey from a 20-year-old radio reporter in San Francisco to one of the most revered news anchors in America. “I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
As Holt moves to Dateline full-time, he emphasized his excitement to expand his influence within the broadcast. “I’m thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.” This is a significant step for Holt, who has always appreciated Dateline’s long-form storytelling, which allows him to dive deeper into issues that matter to him. For instance, his past coverage on mass incarceration, particularly an in-depth segment about Louisiana’s Angola prison, is one example where he’s been able to explore a topic close to his heart.
What makes this career move even more interesting is how it taps into the growing demand for content that goes beyond the headlines. In a world where people are constantly bombarded with breaking news, long-form investigative journalism is making a comeback. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, long-form content on platforms like Dateline is seeing a resurgence, with viewers more inclined to spend time on detailed, well-researched pieces. Holt is stepping into that space at just the right time, capitalizing on this interest in deeper, more meaningful content.
NBC News executive VP Janelle Rodriguez praised Holt’s leadership, calling him “the beating heart of this news organization.” She further expressed admiration for the way Holt has embraced the role of anchor, bringing not just expertise, but also humility and grace to the table. “He’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues, and, most importantly, viewers,” Rodriguez added. This statement underscores Holt’s unique ability to connect with his audience and his colleagues alike, qualities that have contributed to his lasting success.
Holt’s departure from Nightly News has naturally sparked speculation about his replacement. Several names are being floated, including Tom Llamas, who joined NBC News in 2021 from ABC. Additionally, Nightly News weekend anchors Hallie Jackson and Jose Diaz-Balart are seen as potential candidates, given their experience and popularity with viewers. Whoever steps into Holt’s shoes will have big ones to fill, but the focus remains on Holt’s transition and his future at Dateline.
This move by Holt is not isolated. Just a few weeks ago, Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb stepped aside from her role, passing the baton to Craig Melvin. It’s becoming clear that NBC News is making strategic shifts within its anchor lineup, emphasizing versatility and long-term sustainability. Holt’s decision to focus on Dateline signals a shift toward a more expansive, diverse career that embraces both his personal passions and the future of broadcast journalism.
In his farewell to Nightly News colleagues, Holt struck a lighthearted yet heartfelt tone, adding, “I plan to continue anchoring Nightly through around the start of summer. As we get closer, I’ll of course firm up the date and keep all of you in the loop. In the meantime, to my Nightly friends, I look forward to sharing some banana pudding as is our send-off tradition!” It’s this sense of camaraderie and tradition that has endeared him to so many over the years.
Holt’s decision to step away from Nightly News signals a new chapter in his illustrious career, one that will allow him to continue shaping the future of broadcast journalism while deepening his connection to the stories that matter most. As he looks ahead, it’s clear that his influence on both Dateline and the world of journalism will continue to be profound for years to come.