After nearly a decade at the helm, Lester Holt will anchor his final “NBC Nightly News” broadcast on May 30th. This marks the end of an era for the network's flagship evening news program. Holt is transitioning full-time to “Dateline NBC,” a role he's held since 2011.
Taking over the anchor chair is Tom Llamas, effective June 2nd. Currently anchoring “Top Story” on NBC News Now and frequently filling in for Holt, Llamas is a familiar face to viewers. Holt's journey with NBCUniversal News Group began in 2000 as an MSNBC anchor, progressing to “Weekend Today” in 2003 and eventually weekend editions of “NBC Nightly News” in 2007. He became the weekday anchor in 2015, following Brian Williams, making history as the first Black journalist to hold the position for a major U.S. network.
With Holt's departure, David Muir of “ABC News” becomes the longest-serving evening news anchor among the major networks. Changes are also evident elsewhere, with CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell stepping down in January. Brian Stelter of CNN was the first to report the date of Holt’s final broadcast, noting Llamas's preemptive visits to NBC News affiliates. In his first public comments since the February announcement, Holt stated, “What I know is that journalism is still a noble profession. But one of tremendous responsibility. There is no room for arrogance if we are to succeed in our mission. There is however room for compassion.”