Lester Holt is leaving “NBC Nightly News” after a decade of leading the broadcast, he announced Monday.
But what’s next for Holt? Here’s what we know.
Lester Holt is leaving “NBC Nightly News” after a decade of leading the broadcast.
Why is Lester Holt stepping down from ‘NBC Nightly News’?
In a memo to staff about his “big decision,” Holt said, “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day” at “Nightly News,” “keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”
Holt also said he’s happy to be remaining with NBC and “expanding my footprint” at “Dateline” by exploring “subjects I care deeply about.”
Where is Lester Holt going? Is he retiring?
Holt is not retiring, but instead will move to a full-time role as anchor for NBC’s “Dateline.”
When is Lester Holt’s last show?
A specific date for Holt’s last broadcast was not announced, but he will continue anchoring “NBC Nightly News” until early summer.
Who will replace Lester Holt?
NBC News has not announced a replacement for Holt. However, Page Six reports that NBC’s Tom Llamas and Hallie Jackson are the top contenders to replace Holt as “NBC Nightly News” anchor.
According to Forbes, Llamas is a senior national correspondent and anchor of “Top Story with Tom Llamas.” Jackson is a senior Washington correspondent and host of “Hallie Jackson NOW.” She is also the anchor of MSNBC’s 3:00 p.m. news broadcast and anchors the Sunday broadcast of “NBC Nightly News.”
The Hollywood Reporter adds that Saturday’s “Nightly News” anchor José Díaz-Balart could also be considered.
Who is Lester Holt?
Lester Holt has served as “NBC Nightly News” anchor since 2015.
Holt has served as “NBC Nightly News” anchor since 2015. He was previously the weekend anchor of “NBC Nightly News” since 2007, and he anchored “Weekend Today” for 12 years.
NBC News Executive Vice President of Programming Janelle Rodriguez described Holt on Monday as the “beating heart of this news organization,” adding, “he’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues and, most importantly, viewers.”
“What’s equally remarkable is how Lester has masterfully filled this esteemed role with extraordinary grace and humility,” Rodriguez continued. “He’s proven time and time again why he stands among the great legends of broadcast news.”
Holt joins a long list of high-profile anchors who have left their roles in recent months.
At NBC, Hoda Kotb exited the “Today” show last month, citing a desire to spend more time with her children. “Meet The Press” moderator Chuck Todd left NBC News in January, saying he was “excited about a few new projects that are on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality.”
NBC News personalities (L-R) Lester Holt, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Megyn Kelly and Chuck Todd.
Norah O’Donnell exited as the anchor of “CBS Evening News” last month, and at CNN, Chris Wallace stepped aside after the 2024 presidential election.
The same day Holt confirmed his departure, MSNBC also announced that Joy Reid’s show has been canceled, and she is leaving the network.
How old is Lester Holt?
Holt is 65 years old.
Who owns NBC?
According to its website, Comcast Corp., one of the country’s “leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services,” is the owner of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks such as NBC.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why is Lester Holt leaving’? His last day, possible replacement, more
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/lester-holt-joy-reid-022525-18a087b52048440597cac6f779a9a44b.jpg "Why Are Lester Holt & Other Anchors Leaving Their Shows? All About Their Exits")
