*Lester Holt, the longtime anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” announced he will step down from his role at the start of the summer, marking the end of a decade-long tenure.
Holt, who has been with NBC News for over 20 years, first took the reins of Nightly News in June 2015 after years of anchoring weekend editions and co-hosting “Weekend TODAY.” During his time as anchor, the 65-year-old covered significant events such as the rise of the MAGA movement under Donald Trump, the COVID pandemic, and major international crises, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Holt also traveled to areas devastated by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and mass shootings.
“He has led the network during some of the country’s most fraught and challenging times in the past decade,” Janelle Rodriguez, executive vice president of programming for NBC News, wrote in a message to staff, per NBCNews.com. “Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization.”
Holt will continue his work with the network as the anchor of Dateline, a role he has held for nearly 15 years.
In a memo to Nightly and Dateline staff, Holt wrote, “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.”
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“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,” he added.
His departure comes amid a wave of similar exits across various networks since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, including notable figures like Jim Acosta, Chuck Todd, and Joy Reid.
Todd, Holt’s NBC colleague, announced his sudden departure on January 31 after nearly 20 years with the network. Just days before, Acosta ended his 18-year tenure with CNN, reportedly due to an internal dispute over his show’s timeslot. On February 7, MSNBC veteran Andrea Mitchell also stepped down from “Andrea Mitchell Reports” after almost 17 years, though her exit was previosuly planned and announced in October.
“NBC Nightly News” airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m. ET.
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