Lester Holt to Step Down as Anchor of “NBC Nightly News”

Lester Holt announced Monday that he will step down as anchor of “NBC Nightly News” in the coming months, concluding nearly a decade in the role. Holt, who has been a mainstay of the network, will continue anchoring until the start of summer.

A New Role at NBC

While stepping away from the flagship evening newscast, Holt, 65, will remain at NBC News, shifting his focus to “Dateline NBC”, where he has been an anchor since 2011. In a memo to colleagues, he expressed gratitude for his time at “NBC Nightly News” and reaffirmed his commitment to journalism.

“It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do,” Holt wrote.

NBC Has Not Named a Successor

NBC has not yet announced who will replace Holt. Under his leadership, “NBC Nightly News” has remained the second-most-watched evening newscast, trailing ABC’s “World News Tonight” but ahead of “CBS Evening News”. His program averages around seven million viewers per week, according to the network.

A Distinguished Career

Holt has covered major global events, including the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the 2015 migrant crisis in Europe. He has interviewed key political figures such as President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Attorney General William Barr. He has also covered every Olympics since 2002.

Before taking over “NBC Nightly News” in 2015, Holt anchored the program’s weekend editions and joined NBC News in 2000. His appointment came after Brian Williams’ suspension, following revelations that Williams had embellished a story about a helicopter attack in Iraq.

Media Industry Undergoing Change

Holt’s departure comes amid broader shifts in television news. Networks, including NBC, CNN, and MSNBC, are adjusting their lineups to attract viewers and navigate the industry’s transition to digital formats.

Other major network changes include Norah O’Donnell stepping down from “CBS Evening News”, with John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois taking over. At NBC, Hoda Kotb also recently left her co-hosting role at “Today”, while Chuck Todd exited earlier this year.

Holt’s Impact on NBC News

Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt’s leadership, calling him “the beating heart of this news organization.” She highlighted his presence during pivotal moments, particularly in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the program’s viewership surged to 12 million nightly viewers.

“Lester’s voice was a source of comfort each night for so many,” she wrote.

As the news industry continues to evolve, Holt’s legacy as a steady and trusted voice in broadcast journalism remains strong.

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