Veteran journalist Lester Holt has announced he will step down as anchor of NBC Nightly News this summer after nearly a decade in the role. Holt, who has been with NBC News for 25 years, will transition to a full-time role on Dateline NBC, which he has hosted since 2011.
In a memo to staff, Holt called anchoring Nightly News “the honor of a lifetime” but expressed excitement about expanding his role at Dateline, where he will work on special projects and in-depth storytelling.
Holt’s departure marks another major shift in network news, following recent exits from high-profile anchors across major outlets, including Chuck Todd, Andrea Mitchell, and Neil Cavuto. NBC has not yet announced his replacement, though Tom Llamas, Hallie Jackson, and Peter Alexander are considered potential successors.
Since taking over Nightly News in 2015, Holt has been a steady, trusted voice, guiding viewers through breaking news, presidential elections, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also expanded Nightly’s reach, launching a “Kids’ Edition” and incorporating a wider national focus beyond New York and D.C.
Holt’s final broadcast as anchor is expected this summer, though his legacy at NBC News will continue with Dateline.
