In an event sending shockwaves through mainstream media while leading patriots to cheer, Lester Holt, the liberal face of “NBC Nightly News,” is stepping down after a decade at the helm.
This transition marks the end of an era as NBC grapples with a wave of anchor departures.
Loyal viewers question what this means for the future of broadcast journalism.
Lester Holt announced his departure from “NBC Nightly News,” a role he has held since 2015, taking over from Brian Williams.
He will transition to anchor NBC’s “Dateline” full-time.
The specific date for his final “Nightly News” broadcast remains unannounced, but it will continue until early summer.
Holt, 65, expressed gratitude for his tenure at “Nightly News” and the opportunity to expand his role at “Dateline.”
“A smile comes to my face when I think that with ‘Nightly News,’ and ‘Dateline,’ I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Holt stated, cited by USA Today.
NBC News has yet to announce his successor.
Holt’s role change joins a broader trend of high-profile media exits, including figures like Hoda Kotb, Chuck Todd, Norah O’Donnell, and Chris Wallace.
In a related move, MSNBC announced the cancellation of Joy Reid’s show, highlighting a seismic shift in broadcast news. Industry insiders are curious about NBC’s strategy moving forward.
Throughout his stellar career, Holt has reported on major events like the political rise of Donald Trump, the Covid pandemic, and the 2023 attack in Israel.
Interviews with global figures such as Trump, Biden, and Obama underscore his credibility.
NBC’s Janelle Rodriguez praised Holt’s influence, calling him a respected industry figure whose trustworthiness has been widely recognized.
“He’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues and, most importantly, viewers,” Rodriguez said.
Holt, who has been honored with numerous awards, including Emmys and the Walter Cronkite Award, began his journalism journey in 1981.
