Lester Holt, a prominent figure in American broadcast journalism, is set to leave his role as anchor of NBC Nightly News by the month's end, and he will instead focus on in-depth journalism with NBC's Dateline, handing the Nightly News reins to Tom Llamas on June 2.
Holt's departure from Nightly News comes after a decade of anchoring the program and hints at NBC's strategic vision for both Dateline and its flagship news program, as the New York Post reports.
The longtime anchor's decision wasn't made hastily. "It wasn’t like one moment of epiphany," he said, addressing his departure. His journey at NBC spans over two decades, with ten years spent at the "Nightly News" desk following the 2015 demotion of Brian Williams.
Previously with ABC News, Llamas was brought aboard NBC in 2021. Many media insiders predicted Llamas as Holt's successor, making this transition anticipated by those familiar with industry movements. Viewers can expect Llamas to bring a fresh perspective to Nightly News.
Holt, 66, emphasizes his wish to pursue the kind of journalism about which he feels passionate. "Some of the stories you’ll see me doing will be months in the making," he shared, highlighting his enthusiasm for the detailed investigation and storytelling that Dateline enables.
Executives at NBC are optimistic as Holt takes on a full-time role with Dateline. They believe his transition will rejuvenate the show, especially in its close ratings battle with ABC's 20/20. In the first quarter, Dateline saw 4 million viewers, edging out 20/20 at 3.97 million.
NBC Nightly News finds itself second to ABC's World News with David Muir, which scored 8.1 million viewers, compared to Nightly News' 6.6 million. Holt's departure may impact viewer dynamics, especially during this transitional phase. However, network executives seem hopeful the change can leverage both programs' strengths.
Holt says his devotion to journalism is unwavering, as demonstrated by his varied experiences on Dateline. "I once spent two nights in prison for a Dateline episode," he said, illustrating his dedication to impactful storytelling. His commitment is apparent as he continues to focus on themes that resonate deeply with audiences.
NBC's strategy appears aligned with Holt's convictions. The network aims to meet the viewing audience's evolving demands, both in terms of content and delivery. "Our biggest challenge, really, is being where viewers are going to be," Holt acknowledged, highlighting the industry's need for foresight and adaptability.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Holt mentioned his journey began in 1981 at CBS, eventually leading to his landmark role at NBC in 2003. Many commend his successful tenure with admiration. For Holt, however, the journey is far from over. "People say it’s been a great run. It’s like, well, I’m still running," he said, signaling his enduring enthusiasm for journalism.
Holt’s evolution from Nightly News anchor to a pivotal role with Dateline represents an exciting chapter for both him and NBC. While he steps away from the desk that millions tuned into daily, his commitment to the craft remains a cornerstone of his identity. The coming years promise a continued focus on deep investigative work through Dateline.
In his departure, Lester Holt hopes to leave a legacy marked by integrity and a dedication to factual reporting. As Llamas steps in, the landscape of NBC's news programming embarks on a new era. Viewers can look forward to not only Llamas' new position but also the enriched storytelling Holt promises at Dateline.
Holt's focus will remain on crafting stories that require significant research and dedication, providing a more nuanced narrative to his audience. With this shift, his commitment to journalism persists, championing quality reporting in an ever-changing media landscape.
