Lester Holt has announced his departure from NBC Nightly News after a decade of anchoring, expressing a desire to explore new opportunities in his journalism career. At 66, he is transitioning to a full-time role on Dateline, where he aims to return to his roots in reporting and storytelling.
Holt, who succeeded Brian Williams as the face of NBC Nightly News, explained his motivations in a recent interview, stating his eagerness to tackle varied projects that allow for greater creative freedom. “We’re still doing journalism, but these are hour and two-hour shows we’re doing. Some of the stories you’ll see me doing will be months in the making,” he revealed, highlighting the depth of work that can be achieved in his new position.
He expressed a longing to engage more flexibly with the production process, allowing him to commit to stories and interviews in a way that was not possible in his nightly news role. Holt noted that although he enjoyed his time at NBC Nightly News, he “never saw [himself] doing this job forever.”
Holt made his decision public in February, outlining his plans to focus on Dateline and to delve into topics that resonate with him. His enthusiasm for collaborating with the talented team at Dateline suggests a hopeful trajectory for his future endeavors in storytelling.
Following his departure, Tom Llamas will take over the responsibilities as the anchor of NBC Nightly News. Llamas praised Holt, stating that it is an honor to follow in his footsteps and expressing a commitment to upholding the integrity and dedication to journalism that Holt exemplified.
This transition marks an exciting new chapter for both Holt and Llamas, with the potential for fresh storytelling and perspectives to emerge in the landscape of broadcast journalism. The industry can look forward to Holt’s continued contributions through Dateline, where his experience promises engaging and meaningful narratives.