Lester Holt, the seasoned broadcaster who anchored “NBC Nightly News” for a decade, revealed on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, his plan to resign from his anchor role this summer and concentrate fully on his responsibilities at “Dateline NBC.”
In an internal memo, Holt expressed his pride in heading two of history’s most iconic and successful broadcast news programs.
The 65-year-old Holt, who made history in 2015 as the first Black anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” will continue his association with the network on “Dateline.” He has held the position of chief anchor on this program since 2011.
In his note to his colleagues, Holt recounted his early days as a rookie radio reporter covering the police beat in San Francisco, California. He admitted he never foresaw how his career would progress, referring to it as an “amazing ride.”
Originally from Sacramento, California, Holt joined NBC News in 2000. He spent eight years as the anchor of the weekend edition of “Nightly News” before moving to the weeknight broadcast in 2015, following Brian Williams’ exit. Williams was let go after he admitted to exaggerating stories about his coverage of the Iraq War.
Holt’s time at “Nightly News” is noted for his distinctive sign-off, “Please take care of yourself and each other,” and his consistent presence during significant national events, particularly in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a memo to staff, Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News Executive Vice President of Programming, commended Holt, noting that his leadership helped maintain “Nightly News” as a trusted news source for millions of viewers. She emphasized his role in guiding the network during trying times, especially during the pandemic when viewers found solace in his nightly presence.
Holt’s announcement comes amid significant changes at NBC News, marked by numerous high-profile exits recently. “Today” show co-host Hoda Kotb stepped down to make way for Craig Melvin. Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd left the network altogether. Andrea Mitchell concluded her daytime MSNBC program and the cable news network canceled Joy Reid’s show.
Over his tenure, Holt conducted many notable interviews, including a significant 2021 conversation with then-Vice President Kamala Harris about her absence from the Southern border. Harris’s response, “And I haven’t been to Europe,” made news headlines.
In 2021, Holt caused a stir in the journalism community when he suggested, while accepting the Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism, that traditional media balance concepts might need reevaluation.
He contended that fairness is overrated and questioned the idea that both sides should always get equal representation, arguing that this did not reflect modern realities. He used the sun’s setting in the West as an example of a fact that doesn’t need a counterargument.
Holt clarified that choosing not to allot equal time to unsupported claims was not a failure in journalistic duty but rather a fulfillment of it.
Before joining NBC News, Holt’s career path included an internship at Sacramento’s KCRA, the local NBC affiliate. He graduated from Cordova High School in the Sacramento area and attended Sacramento State University before starting his broadcasting career. His journalistic journey included stints in New York City, Los Angeles, California, and Chicago, Illinois.
In his staff memo about his transition, Holt expressed his eagerness to expand his role at “Dateline,” where he plans to delve into topics he deeply cares about. He will continue to anchor “NBC Nightly News” until early summer 2025, with specific dates to be revealed later.
NBC has yet to announce a successor for the “Nightly News” anchor chair. However, several names have surfaced as possible replacements. Reports suggest that NBC correspondent Tom Llamas is a leading contender, with Hallie Jackson and Jose Diaz-Balart also being potential options.
Under Holt’s stewardship, “NBC Nightly News” has sustained its position as the second-most-viewed evening news broadcast in America, lagging behind ABC’s “World News Tonight” in the ratings.
