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

Lester Holt, the trusted face of NBC’s *Nightly News* for the past decade, has announced he will be stepping down as anchor of the network’s flagship evening broadcast. However, Holt isn’t leaving NBC entirely. In a note to staff on Monday, he revealed he will be expanding his role on the long-running news magazine *Dateline*, taking on a full-time position there. The transition is expected to take place early this summer, though no specific date or successor for *Nightly News* has been announced yet.

Holt, who has been with NBC for over two decades, expressed gratitude and pride in his time as anchor. “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of *Nightly News*,” he wrote. Reflecting on his career, he added, “A smile comes to my face when I think that with *Nightly News* and *Dateline*, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history.”

Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt’s contributions to the network. “Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization,” she wrote. Rodriguez also emphasized that Holt will remain a key part of NBC News “for years to come,” reassuring viewers and colleagues that his presence will continue to be felt.





Holt joined NBC in 2000 and quickly became a respected figure in broadcast journalism. He took over as the permanent anchor of *Nightly News* in June 2015, after anchoring the weekend editions for eight years. During his tenure, Holt became known for his calm, steady delivery and his ability to connect with audiences during major news events, from elections to natural disasters. He has also been the principal anchor of *Dateline* since 2011, where his storytelling skills have shone in long-form investigative pieces.


Holt’s departure from *Nightly News* marks the end of an era, but it also opens a new chapter for the veteran journalist. His move to *Dateline* full-time will allow him to focus on in-depth reporting and storytelling, areas where he has consistently excelled. For NBC, the search for a new *Nightly News* anchor will be a significant decision, as the program remains one of the most-watched news broadcasts in the United States.


As Holt transitions to his new role, his legacy as a trusted and respected journalist remains secure. His dedication to delivering the news with integrity and compassion has made him a beloved figure in American households. While he may be stepping away from the *Nightly News* desk, Lester Holt’s voice and impact will continue to resonate across NBC News for years to come. /* Gradient Button 1 */ .btn-1 { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ff416c, #ff4b2b); }