After a decade of anchoring NBC Nightly News, veteran journalist Lester Holt has announced his decision to step away from the broadcast later this year. Holt, who has been a fixture in American news for decades, shared that he will be leaving his role at the start of summer but will remain an integral part of NBC News in a new capacity.
In a message to NBC News staff, Holt reflected on his time leading the nightly newscast and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as its anchor. “After 10 years, and 17 if you count my time anchoring the weekend edition, the time has come for me to step away from my role on Nightly News,” Holt said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such talented journalists, always keeping our audience at the forefront of what we do.”
Although Holt is leaving his position on Nightly News, he reassured colleagues and viewers that he will continue his work in a full-time capacity at Dateline, where he plans to expand his storytelling efforts. “I’m excited to deepen my involvement with Dateline and explore stories that matter to me,” Holt said. “I look forward to working more closely with my talented colleagues as we continue to grow and connect with new audiences.”
A trusted name in journalism, Holt has had an extensive and distinguished career. He first joined NBC News in 2000 and became the anchor of NBC Nightly News in June 2015. Before that, he spent eight years anchoring the weekend edition of the program and also co-anchored Weekend TODAY for over a decade. Throughout his tenure, Holt covered some of the most significant national and global events, including presidential elections, natural disasters, and groundbreaking investigative reports. His reporting has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.
Holt’s departure from NBC Nightly News marks a significant transition for the network, which has yet to name a successor. Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt’s leadership, stating, “Lester has guided our newsroom through some of the most challenging times in recent history. His presence, dedication, and journalistic integrity have made a lasting impact on NBC News. Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this organization.”
Looking back on his career, Holt shared his appreciation for the journey that led him to become one of the most recognizable figures in news media. “When I started as a 20-year-old radio reporter covering the police beat in San Francisco, I could never have imagined that my career would take me here. It’s been an incredible journey, one that I am immensely grateful for,” he said.
As Holt prepares to step away from Nightly News, the focus now turns to who will take the reins of the program he has guided for the past decade. His leadership and commitment to delivering trustworthy journalism have made a lasting impression, ensuring his legacy will remain an important part of NBC’s history. Meanwhile, fans and colleagues alike look forward to seeing him embark on this next chapter with Dateline, where his passion for investigative reporting will continue to shine.
While the transition marks the end of an era for NBC Nightly News, it is also a testament to Holt’s enduring influence in journalism. His next steps will allow him to continue telling impactful stories, maintaining the integrity and professionalism that have defined his career. As the network begins the search for his successor, one thing remains clear: Lester Holt’s contributions to journalism will continue to resonate for years to come.