Lester Holt, the trusted face of NBC Nightly News for the past decade, is stepping down as anchor and managing editor. His unexpected decision has sparked curiosity among viewers: Why is he leaving, and who will take his place? Here’s everything we know so far about his departure and what’s next for him.
A Surprising Announcement
On Monday, February 24, the 65-year-old journalist broke the news in a heartfelt note to the Nightly News and Dateline teams. He revealed that he plans to leave his position at the start of summer 2025.
“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 wrote. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Holt took over as anchor of NBC Nightly News in June 2015, following eight years of leading the weekend editions and 12 years co-anchoring Weekend TODAY. He also became the principal anchor of Dateline in September 2011, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected journalists in the industry.
Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt’s leadership and impact: “He has led the network during some of the country’s most fraught and challenging times in the past decade. Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization.”
Why Is Holt Stepping Down?
In his announcement, Holt explained that after a combined 17 years with Nightly News, including his time on the weekend editions, he felt it was time to step away from the anchor desk.
“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,” he said.
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What’s Next for Holt?
Despite stepping down from Nightly News, Holt made it clear that he is not retiring. Instead, he is shifting his focus to NBC’s prime-time newsmagazine, Dateline, where he will take on an expanded full-time role.
“I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity. I’ll be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” he shared. “I am thrilled to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers.”
When Will Holt Officially Sign Off?
Holt plans to continue anchoring NBC Nightly News until early summer 2025, though an exact date for his final broadcast has yet to be announced.
“As we get closer, I’ll of course firm up the date and keep all of you in the loop,” he assured. And in true Holt fashion, he concluded his note with a nod to his newsroom tradition: “To my Nightly friends, I look forward to sharing some banana pudding as is our send-off tradition!”
Who Will Replace Him?
NBC has yet to announce Holt’s successor, but speculation is already swirling about potential candidates. Will the network choose a seasoned veteran or a fresh face to take over one of the most prestigious news desks in the country? Only time will tell.
For now, viewers can continue tuning in to NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, appreciating his signature calm, authoritative presence before he takes on his next chapter full-time at Dateline.
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