Lester Holt To Leave NBC Nightly News, Shifts To Dateline NBC

Veteran journalist Lester Holt is stepping away from his role as anchor of NBC Nightly News this summer. After leading the show for a decade, he will shift to a full-time position at Dateline NBC, where he has been a contributor since 2011.

NBC News executives announced the transition on Monday morning. Holt expressed gratitude for his time at Nightly News, calling it "the honor of a lifetime." In a memo, he shared his excitement about focusing on long-form journalism at Dateline:

“I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.”

Full-Time Role at Dateline NBC

Holt has a long history with Dateline, using the show to dive into topics he’s passionate about, including crime and social justice. He has covered a wide range of subjects, from mass incarceration to high-profile criminal cases.

“I’ll be crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about and working closely with an incredibly talented team.”

NBC News executive VP Janelle Rodriguez praised Holt, calling him "the beating heart of this news organization" and highlighting his “extraordinary grace and humility.”
The show welcomed him with a lighthearted post on X (formerly Twitter):

Finally, we get you all to ourselves, @LesterHoltNBC!
Oh, and we don’t just have banana pudding for send-offs.
We have it every day, just ‘cause.
❤️ #Dateline 
Read more: https://t.co/MxgExLqpb9 pic.twitter.com/3SnqVDoMMc

— Dateline NBC (@DatelineNBC) February 24, 2025

Who Will Replace Holt?

With Holt’s departure, speculation is growing about his successor. Possible replacements include Tom Llamas, Hallie Jackson, José Díaz-Balart, and Peter Alexander, all of whom have played key roles at NBC News.

Big Changes in Media Landscape

Holt’s departure comes amid several shifts in TV news. NBC’s Chuck Todd and Hoda Kotb have also stepped down from key roles recently. Other networks are seeing similar moves, with longtime anchors like Neil Cavuto (Fox News) and Chris Wallace (CNN) also exiting.

Holt has been with NBC for 25 years, joining NBC Nightly News in 2015 after Brian Williams’ departure. He has been praised for his steady leadership, particularly during major events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because of Lester’s leadership, Nightly News has remained a trusted destination for millions,” said Rodriguez.

NBC has not yet announced Holt’s final broadcast date or his replacement.

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