Lester Holt Announces Departure from NBC Nightly News

2025-03-03

Lester Holt, the longtime anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, announced on Monday that he will step down from the broadcast at the beginning of the summer. Holt, 65, has anchored the show for a decade, having taken over the role in 2015 following Brian Williams’ departure. NBC News has not yet named a successor for the anchor desk.

Holt will remain at NBC News in a full-time capacity as the anchor of Dateline, a role he has held since 2011. In a memo to staff, Holt expressed pride in having anchored two of the most iconic television news programs in broadcast history. “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,” he wrote. Holt also reflected on his career, which began as a 20-year-old radio reporter in San Francisco, calling it “an amazing ride.”

Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt’s “steady and thoughtful leadership” during his tenure on Nightly News. She credited him with maintaining the broadcast’s position as a trusted news source for millions of viewers and highlighted his ability to cover major stories and interview world leaders. “Lester is the beating heart of this news organization,” Rodriguez said.

Holt’s departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits from network news programs. Speculation about his successor has already begun, with names like Tom Llamas, Hallie Jackson, and Jose Diaz-Balart being floated as potential candidates. Holt plans to continue anchoring Nightly News until around the start of summer, with a firm transition date to be announced later.

Holt’s move to a full-time role at Dateline reflects his passion for long-form journalism and storytelling. He has previously used the platform to explore topics of personal interest, such as mass incarceration, and expressed excitement about expanding his contributions to the show. “I am 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,” he said.