Lester Holt Reveals Why He’s Leaving ‘Nightly News’ but Staying at NBC
Lester Holt, the esteemed anchor of NBC Nightly News, has recently announced his decision to step down from his role at the anchor desk after serving in that capacity for more than a decade. However, his departure from prime time news does not mean he is leaving the NBC family. Holt plans to re-focus his career on his reporting roots, specifically with the popular investigative news program Dateline. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Holt’s career and the landscape of evening news on NBC.
A Thoughtful Decision After Two Decades at NBC
In a heartfelt interview, Holt reflected on his 22-year tenure at NBC, citing that his decision to step down was not made hastily. It was a conclusion reached after extensive discussions with his wife about his future and aspirations. He expressed a strong desire to exit the anchor position while still feeling motivated and energized, stating, “I still have gas in the tank.” This proactive approach allows him to make a meaningful transition while still embracing the passion that has driven his journalism career.
At 66 years old, Holt has been a prominent figure in evening news since he took over as anchor in 2015, succeeding Brian Williams. His move comes amidst speculation regarding NBC’s future leadership, especially after the network hired Tom Llamas, a former ABC anchor, in 2021. Llamas is expected to take over Holt’s position beginning June 2.
Embracing a New Chapter with Dateline
This change comes as NBC executives are optimistic that Holt’s transition back to Dateline will help revitalize the program, which competes directly with ABC’s 20/20. Furthermore, they view Holt’s exit from the nightly segment as an opportunity to stimulate ratings for NBC Nightly News, which have recently lagged behind ABC’s World News Tonight.
A Legacy Built on Diverse Reporting
Throughout his career, Lester Holt has tackled a wide-ranging array of topics, from critical social issues to investigative journalism that holds the powerful accountable. He is looking forward to embracing the creative possibilities that come with producing segmented, deeply-researched reporting on Dateline, allowing him the freedom to explore stories that captivate audiences over a longer period.
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, Holt reminds viewers that though he is stepping away from the anchor desk, his passion for journalism remains steadfast: “People say it’s been a great run. It’s like, well, I’m still running.” This transition signals an exciting evolution for both Holt and NBC, as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of news reporting and audience engagement.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting new phase in Lester Holt’s career as he returns to long-form journalism and continues to contribute to the news-making landscape in meaningful ways.
