Lester Holt to Step Down as NBC Nightly News Anchor, Transition to Full-Time Dateline Role
In a major shift at NBC News, NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt will step down from the program this summer to take on a new full-time role at Dateline.
Holt and NBC News executives announced the move to staff on Monday morning.
Having anchored Nightly News for a decade, Holt took over the role from Brian Williams after serving as the show’s weekend anchor and primary substitute. He has been with NBC News since 2000 and a contributor to Dateline since 2011.
A New Chapter at Dateline
Reflecting on the transition, Holt shared his gratitude for anchoring two of the most recognized news programs in television history.
“As a 20-year-old radio reporter chasing breaking news in San Francisco, I never imagined my career would unfold this way,” Holt wrote in a note to staff. “What an amazing ride.”
At Dateline, Holt looks forward to expanding his role by developing in-depth stories on topics he is passionate about.
“I am thrilled to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and reach new audiences,” he said.
Holt has long expressed admiration for Dateline‘s long-form journalism, particularly its deep dives into crime and justice. In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he noted that the show has allowed him to pursue personal journalistic interests.
“Crime reporting draws a huge audience, and Dateline does it incredibly well,” he said. “But we’re not just about true crime—I’ve had the opportunity to explore broader topics like mass incarceration, spending nights inside Louisiana State Prison to understand the realities firsthand.”
The Impact of Holt’s Legacy
NBC News Executive VP Janelle Rodriguez praised Holt’s contributions to the network, calling him “the beating heart of this news organization.”
“He has earned the deep respect of his colleagues, industry peers, and, most importantly, viewers,” Rodriguez said. “Lester has filled this esteemed role with grace and humility, cementing his place among the great legends of broadcast news.”
Who Will Succeed Holt?
With Holt’s departure from Nightly News, speculation is already swirling about his successor. Tom Llamas, who joined NBC News from ABC in 2021, is seen as a strong contender. Weekend anchors Hallie Jackson and José Díaz-Balart are also in the mix, mirroring Holt’s own transition from weekend to weekday anchor.
Holt is the second high-profile NBC News anchor to step away from a flagship show in recent months. In January, Hoda Kotb officially stepped down from Today, passing the role to Craig Melvin.
Holt plans to remain at the Nightly News desk until early summer, ensuring a smooth transition before embracing his next chapter at Dateline.
