Tom Llamas to Replace Lester Holt as ‘Nightly News’ Anchor \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ NBC News has appointed Tom Llamas as the new anchor of “Nightly News”, replacing Lester Holt this summer. Llamas, a former ABC News anchor, has been Holt’s chief substitute since joining NBC in 2021. He will continue hosting “Top Story” on NBC News Now, making him the first evening news anchor to retain a streaming role. Holt will stay at NBC to work on “Dateline NBC”.
Quick Looks
- NBC News announced Tom Llamas as the new anchor of “Nightly News”, replacing Lester Holt this summer.
- Llamas, 45, has been Holt’s chief substitute anchor since joining NBC in 2021 from ABC News.
- Holt is stepping down after a decade but will continue working at “Dateline NBC.”
- Llamas will make history as the first evening news anchor to also retain a streaming role.
- He will continue hosting “Top Story” on NBC News Now, which airs immediately after “Nightly News.”
- NBC executives praised Llamas’ journalistic excellence, calling him a perfect fit for the role.
- Llamas’ promotion comes amid shifts in network news, with ABC’s David Muir now the longest-serving evening anchor.
- CBS recently replaced Norah O’Donnell with a co-anchor team of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois.
- Evening news still reaches over 10 million viewers nightly, despite the rise of digital and streaming platforms.
Deep Look
Tom Llamas: The New Face of NBC’s ‘Nightly News’
NBC News has officially named Tom Llamas as the next anchor of “NBC Nightly News”, set to take over this summer when Lester Holt steps down after a decade in the role.
Llamas, 45, has been Holt’s primary substitute anchor since leaving ABC News in 2021. He is also a leading face of NBC News Now, hosting the one-hour streaming newscast “Top Story.”
Unlike his predecessors, Llamas will break new ground by continuing his work in both traditional broadcast and streaming news.
“Tom has the winning combination of journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unyielding integrity,” said Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming.
Lester Holt’s Next Chapter at NBC
Holt’s decision to step down from “Nightly News” doesn’t mean he’s leaving NBC altogether.
- He will continue working at NBC as part of “Dateline NBC”, the network’s flagship investigative news program.
- His departure from “Nightly News” marks the end of a decade-long run, during which he established himself as one of the most trusted news anchors in America.
Holt’s leadership was especially crucial during major national crises, including:
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- The 2020 presidential election
- The January 6 Capitol riot
As he transitions to a new role at NBC, Llamas now steps into the primetime spotlight, inheriting one of the most prestigious seats in television journalism.
Llamas’ Rise: From ABC to NBC’s Top Anchor
Llamas’ promotion has been widely anticipated, given his prominent role at NBC since 2021.
- Before joining NBC, he anchored weekend editions of ABC’s “World News Tonight.”
- He is a three-time Emmy Award winner known for his sharp reporting and on-the-ground coverage.
- Since moving to NBC, he has become a familiar face to viewers, filling in for Holt and leading coverage on major breaking news events.
His transition to “Nightly News” cements his place as one of the most prominent journalists in the country.
A New Era for Evening News: How Llamas Fits In
Llamas’ appointment comes at a time of major shifts in the network news landscape.
- ABC’s David Muir is now the longest-serving evening news anchor, leading “World News Tonight.”
- CBS News recently shook up its lineup, replacing Norah O’Donnell with a co-anchor team of John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois.
Even as TV news faces competition from digital media, the traditional evening news programs still draw over 10 million viewers per night, making anchors like Llamas the public face of their networks.
Llamas Will Continue Hosting ‘Top Story’ on NBC News Now
In a historic move, Llamas will continue anchoring his streaming show, “Top Story,” even after taking over “Nightly News.”
- “Top Story” airs on NBC News Now, the network’s digital news platform.
- His evening schedule will now include both broadcasts, starting with “Nightly News” on TV, followed by “Top Story” on streaming.
- This makes Llamas the first evening news anchor in history to simultaneously hold a major streaming role.
By keeping Llamas at the forefront of NBC’s digital expansion, the network is signaling a strategic move toward a more integrated news future, blending traditional and streaming platforms.
What’s Next for NBC Nightly News?
With Llamas set to take over this summer, all eyes will be on:
- How he transitions into the primetime role
- How “Nightly News” evolves under his leadership
- How NBC balances traditional TV with digital expansion
Meanwhile, Lester Holt’s departure marks the end of an era, but his continued role at “Dateline NBC” ensures he remains an influential voice in journalism.
As the industry changes, NBC’s move to keep one anchor across both traditional and streaming news could set a precedent for the future of network television.
Conclusion: Llamas Steps Into a Legacy Role with a Modern Twist
Tom Llamas’ appointment marks a generational shift in TV news.
- He inherits one of the most prestigious roles in journalism.
- He becomes the first evening news anchor to simultaneously lead a streaming show.
- He will shape NBC’s news future, balancing TV tradition with digital innovation.
As he takes the “Nightly News” chair, Llamas steps into a storied legacy, but also a new era where streaming is just as important as primetime television.
Will his approach redefine network news? The world will be watching.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.