Lester Holt Steps Down as NBC Nightly News Anchor After 10 Years

Lester Holt is signing off, one last time.

For over a decade, the consistent face of NBC Nightly News has been this individual. On February 24th, he declared that he will be leaving his anchoring position to take on a full-time role at Dateline, a position he has held as a principal anchor for nearly 15 years.

It brings joy to me when I reflect upon the fact that I’ve hosted two of the most renowned and influential TV news programs, Nightly News and Dateline, throughout their broadcast history,” Lester penned in a memo to staff from both shows, which NBC News made public. “As a young radio journalist covering the police beat in San Francisco at age 20, I never dreamt that my professional journey would take me here.

He added of his journey, “What an amazing ride.”

The Executive Vice President of NBC News’ Programming, Janelle Rodriguez, has confirmed that Lester will stay onboard with the Nightly News until early summer. Afterward, he is expected to move fully into his role at Dateline.

During his time with Nightly News, the 65-year-old has been instrumental in keeping the nation updated on significant events in contemporary American history, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, presidential elections, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and various natural disasters like the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and floods in Asheville, North Carolina.

In my role as a dedicated news reporter, I always conclude my broadcasts by reminding everyone to prioritize self-care and look out for one another, signing off with, “Take good care of yourselves, and each other.

However, as the anchor gained affection and admiration from viewers across the country, it was equally important to highlight Janelle’s insights into his influence off-camera.

She mentioned that “He’s gained profound respect and admiration not only from our team, fellow professionals, but also our viewers.” Moreover, it’s worth noting how Lester has skillfully taken on this prestigious position with an exceptional level of modesty and humility. He consistently demonstrates why he belongs in the company of legendary figures in broadcast news.

Twice recognized as America’s most trusted TV news figure, Lester’s upcoming replacement faces the challenge of filling some sizeable footsteps.

According to Janelle, it’s clear that Lester plays a crucial role, essentially being the lifeblood or driving force of this news company.

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2025-02-24 20:17