Lester Holt, the stalwart anchor of NBC Nightly News and one of America’s most trusted voices in broadcast journalism, announced Monday that he will step down from the flagship evening newscast this summer. After a decade at the helm, Holt, 65, will shift to a full-time role anchoring NBC’s true-crime staple Dateline, marking the end of an era for the network’s flagship program.
A Legacy of Integrity and Grace
Lester Holt’s departure closes a chapter defined by his calm demeanor, journalistic rigor, and ability to guide viewers through tumultuous times. In a heartfelt memo to staff, he reflected on his journey. “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.” Holt took over Nightly News in 2015 amid crisis, replacing Brian Williams after the latter was suspended for fabricating details of a wartime report. His steady leadership not only restored credibility to the program but also solidified its position as a ratings powerhouse. Under Holt, the broadcast navigated pivotal moments—from the COVID-19 pandemic, when viewership surged to 12 million nightly, to the political and social upheavals of recent years. Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt as the “beating heart of this news organization,” adding, “He’s proven time and time again why he stands among the great legends of broadcast news.”
Pandemic Anchor
Lester Holt’s tenure peaked during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As fear and uncertainty gripped the nation, his measured delivery and empathetic presence became a nightly ritual for millions. “This is the story of our lifetimes,” he remarked in 2020, as Nightly News achieved its highest ratings in over a decade. Rodriguez highlighted this period, noting Holt’s role as a “source of comfort” during unprecedented chaos.
A Career Forged in Humble Beginnings
Lester Holt’s path to the anchor chair was unconventional. Starting as a 20-year-old radio reporter covering San Francisco’s police beat, he climbed the ranks with grit and humility. He joined NBC in 2000, anchoring Weekend Today and later Nightly News Weekend before his promotion to the weekday desk. Reflecting on his journey, Holt wrote: “As a 20-year-old radio reporter… I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
Industry in Flux a Wave of Anchor Exits
Lester Holt’s exit follows a broader trend of veteran anchors departing major networks. Recent months saw Hoda Kotb leave Today, Norah O’Donnell exit CBS Evening News, and Chuck Todd step down from Meet the Press. CBS has even overhauled its evening format, opting for dual anchors and correspondents over a solo host. While evening newscasts no longer command the cultural dominance of decades past, they remain vital—with Nightly News averaging 6.3 million viewers this season, trailing only ABC’s World News Tonight (7.9 million).
What’s Next for NBC?
Lester Holt’s final Nightly News broadcast this summer will close a remarkable 23-year NBC tenure. His legacy—marked by integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to journalism—cements his place among legends like Tom Brokaw and Walter Cronkite. As he prepares to hand off the anchor desk, Holt leaves behind a challenge for the next generation: Uphold the trust of millions who still turn to television news for clarity in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.