Lester Holt to Step Down as NBC’s ‘Nightly News’ Anchor After 10 Years/ Newslooks/ WASINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NBC’s Lester Holt will step down as anchor of “Nightly News” this summer after a decade at the helm. Holt will expand his role at “Dateline” full-time, continuing his long career with NBC. A successor has not been named, and Holt’s departure marks another significant anchor change in network news this year.
Lester Holt’s Departure: Quick Looks
- Lester Holt leaving “Nightly News” after anchoring for 10 years
- Holt will join “Dateline” full-time, continuing his work at NBC
- No successor announced; transition expected early this summer
- “Nightly News” averages 7 million viewers weekly under Holt’s tenure
- Holt joined NBC in 2000, became “Nightly News” anchor in 2015
- Janelle Rodriguez calls Holt “the beating heart of this news organization”
- Major network changes: CBS and MSNBC also undergoing anchor shifts
Lester Holt to Step Down as NBC’s ‘Nightly News’ Anchor After 10 Years
Deep Look
NEW YORK (AP) — Veteran news anchor Lester Holt announced Monday that he will step down as anchor of NBC’s flagship “Nightly News” after a decade leading the broadcast. Holt, however, will remain with NBC, taking on an expanded full-time role with the network’s popular “Dateline” series.
In a memo to staff, Holt described the transition as “the honor of a lifetime” and expressed gratitude to his colleagues and viewers:
“With ‘Nightly News’ and ‘Dateline,’ I’ve had the privilege of anchoring two of the most successful and iconic news programs in history,” Holt wrote.
Timeline of Departure
- Transition Date: Early summer (exact date not announced)
- Successor: NBC has yet to name a replacement for “Nightly News”
- Holt will continue to anchor “Dateline”, which is in its 33rd season
Holt’s Career at NBC
- Joined NBC News in 2000
- Anchored weekend editions of “Nightly News” for eight years
- Became permanent anchor in 2015 after Brian Williams’ departure
- Serving as principal anchor of “Dateline” since 2011
During Holt’s tenure, “Nightly News” averaged approximately 7 million weekly viewers, maintaining its position as one of the most-watched evening broadcasts.
Praise from NBC Leadership
Janelle Rodriguez, executive vice president of NBC News Programming, lauded Holt’s leadership:
“Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization,” Rodriguez said, emphasizing that Holt will remain with NBC “for years to come.”
Shift to “Dateline”
Holt’s move to “Dateline” comes as the show continues to thrive, with its true crime focus earning top podcast rankings and inspiring TV spinoffs. Although known for crime coverage, the series also highlights investigative journalism and human interest stories.
Changing Landscape in Network News
Holt’s exit from “Nightly News” is part of a broader wave of anchor transitions across major networks:
- Norah O’Donnell signed off from “CBS Evening News” earlier this year after a five-year tenure.
- Hoda Kotb stepped down as co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” in January.
- Over at MSNBC, Joy Reid’s departure from “The ReidOut” marks further shifts in prime-time programming.
MSNBC is also preparing for a corporate spinoff from NBC News later this year.
A Look Back at Holt’s Legacy
- First Black solo anchor of a weekday network nightly newscast
- Known for calm, trustworthy reporting during major events including elections, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic
- Led coverage that consistently ranked among the top evening news broadcasts
What’s Next for NBC?
NBC is expected to name Holt’s successor in the coming months. Industry speculation includes network correspondents and guest anchors who have filled in during Holt’s absences.
“This is a pivotal moment for NBC News,” said media analyst Carol Ames. “Lester Holt’s departure leaves big shoes to fill at a critical time for network journalism.”
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