Lester Holt, a familiar face to millions of American viewers, is stepping down from his role as anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News,” a position he has held for a decade. The announcement came on Monday, February 24, 2025, marking the end of an era for the flagship broadcast that has been a staple of evening news since Holt took the helm in June 2015. While the news has sent ripples through the media world, Holt is not leaving NBC entirely; instead, he will transition to a full-time role as the primary anchor of “Dateline,” the network’s long-running primetime newsmagazine.
Holt, now 65, shared his decision in a heartfelt note to the staff of both “Nightly News” and “Dateline,” reflecting on his remarkable journey. He described his ten years anchoring the nightly broadcast—seventeen if you count his earlier stint on the weekend edition—as an “amazing ride.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead two of the most iconic programs in television news history, a sentiment that underscores his 25-year tenure with NBC News.
Holt’s career began far from the polished studios of 30 Rockefeller Plaza; as a 20-year-old radio reporter in San Francisco, he chased breaking stories on the police beat, never imagining the path that would eventually lead him to national prominence.
The veteran journalist stepped into the “Nightly News” role under challenging circumstances, replacing Brian Williams after a scandal involving fabricated reporting from the Iraq War derailed Williams’s career.
Holt brought stability and a steady hand to the broadcast, earning praise for his calm demeanor and commitment to delivering the day’s stories with clarity. Over the years, he covered pivotal moments in history—most recently co-anchoring election night coverage in 2024, traveling to Iran for an exclusive interview with President Masoud Pezeshkian, and leading a “Dateline” special on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. His presence became synonymous with reliability, a trait that endeared him to viewers navigating an increasingly complex news landscape.
Though Holt framed his departure as a personal choice, speculation swirls about the broader context. The media industry is undergoing seismic shifts, with networks facing pressure to adapt to declining viewership and tightening budgets. Holt’s substantial salary—reportedly around $10 million annually—may have factored into NBC’s planning, especially as the network recently parted ways with other high-profile figures like Hoda Kotb of “Today” after salary negotiations faltered.
The timing also coincides with MSNBC, an NBC asset, canceling Joy Reid’s “The ReidOut,” suggesting a period of upheaval across the company’s news division. Still, NBC has emphasized that Holt’s move to “Dateline” is a strategic shift rather than a full exit, highlighting the program’s growing prominence as a “rapidly-expanding powerhouse.”
No successor has been named for “Nightly News,” leaving viewers and insiders curious about who will fill Holt’s shoes when he steps away this summer. The transition promises to be a gradual one, with Holt continuing to anchor the broadcast until early summer, giving NBC time to chart its next course. In the meantime, he’ll devote his energy to “Dateline,” where he’s been a fixture since 2011, delving into true crime stories and in-depth investigations that have captivated audiences.
Holt’s departure has sparked a mix of reactions. Fans have taken to social media to express both appreciation for his tenure and concern about the future of “Nightly News.” His brief absence from the broadcast earlier in February—when Hallie Jackson filled in on February 3—had already stirred questions among viewers, some of whom noted their loyalty to Holt specifically. “I watch for him,” one fan remarked online, a sentiment echoed by others who see him as a trusted voice in an era of skepticism toward mainstream media.
As Lester Holt prepares to close this chapter, his legacy at “Nightly News” remains one of resilience and professionalism. From stabilizing the broadcast after a turbulent handover to guiding it through a decade of transformative events, he leaves behind a program that has weathered storms under his watch.
Now, with “Dateline” as his new focus, Holt’s storytelling will shift to a different stage, but his influence on broadcast journalism is far from over. For a man who once marveled at the unpredictability of his career, this next step feels less like a goodbye and more like a fitting evolution.
