New York — Veteran journalist Lester Holt announced on Monday that he will be stepping down as the anchor of “NBC Nightly News” this summer, a role he has held since 2015. Holt, who is the first Black journalist to anchor the program, plans to shift his focus entirely to “Dateline NBC,” a network staple where he has been a principal figure since 2011.
Holt’s departure follows a distinguished career marked by steady leadership during turbulent times, including the COVID-19 pandemic which saw him become a nightly source of trusted information for millions of Americans. He described his extensive tenure in the industry as “an amazing ride” from his early days as a radio reporter in San Francisco to his groundbreaking role in network news.
Throughout his time at “NBC Nightly News,” Holt was appreciated for his calm demeanor and authoritative presence during major national and international events. He was recognized by viewers for his signature sign-off, “Please take care of yourself and each other,” embodying the empathy and responsibility he brought to the role.
Janelle Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Programming at NBC News, praised Holt for his contribution to the network, noting that his leadership helped maintain the program’s status as a reliable news source. Rodriguez acknowledged Holt’s particular steadiness and authoritative journalism during the pandemic, highlighting how his presence brought comfort to viewers at a critical time.
NBC’s news division has seen significant changes recently, with high-profile departures, including “Today” show’s Hoda Kotb and “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd. These shifts come at a time when the network is navigating the evolving media landscape and audience behaviors.
Holt’s journalistic integrity was notably recognized in 2021 when he received the Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism. In his acceptance, he voiced a bold opinion on journalism’s responsibility, questioning the tradition of giving equal weight to all perspectives, which he argued does not always reflect the truth. He emphasized that true journalism involves discerning the weight of evidence and presenting facts responsibly.
His interviews have often made headlines, such as his 2021 conversation with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, where her remark in response to not visiting the Southern border, “And I haven’t been to Europe,” sparked considerable discussion and coverage.
Holt’s beginnings in journalism trace back to an internship at Sacramento’s KCRA, the local NBC affiliate. From there, his career took him to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago before ultimately leading him back to NBC News, the platform from which he would make his most significant impact.
Even as he plans to leave “NBC Nightly News” in early summer 2025, Holt expressed enthusiasm about his forthcoming role at “Dateline,” looking forward to deeper engagements with topics he is passionate about. NBC has yet to announce who will succeed Holt, although speculations include prominent correspondents such as Tom Llamas, Hallie Jackson, and Jose Diaz-Balart.
Under Holt’s guidance, “NBC Nightly News” consistently ranked as the second-most-watched evening news broadcast in the country, trailing only ABC’s “World News Tonight” in viewer ratings. His move to “Dateline” signifies not just a career shift but a continuation of his commitment to serious journalism, focusing on in-depth storytelling and investigation.