Holt and NBC News executives shared the news with staff on Monday morning.
Having led Nightly News for a decade following Brian Williams’ tenure, Holt previously anchored the weekend edition and frequently stepped in as Williams’ primary substitute. He became part of NBC News in 2000 and has contributed to Dateline since 2011.
“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 expressed in a message to staff. “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.”
At Dateline, Holt told colleagues he would be “expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about. I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.”
Holt has always held a deep appreciation for Dateline, valuing the opportunity for in-depth journalism it offers. In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he noted that the show has allowed him to explore subjects of personal significance.
“Crime reporting, so many people have an appetite for that. And Dateline does it really well,” he remarked. “At the same time, we’re not all true crime. I went to Louisiana State Prison in Angola, Louisiana, and spent a couple of nights there really trying to get inside the idea of mass incarceration. That’s something I appreciate, to take an hour and spend it on a given topic.”
In a memo to staff, NBC News Executive Vice President Janelle Rodriguez praised Holt as “the beating heart of this news organization.”
“He’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues and, most importantly, viewers,” she stated. “What’s equally remarkable is how Lester has masterfully filled this esteemed role with extraordinary grace and humility. He’s proven time and time again why he stands among the great legends of broadcast news.”
With Holt’s impending departure, speculation immediately swirls around who will take over the anchor chair at Nightly News. For years, rumors about Holt’s potential retirement have circulated within the company. Tom Llamas, who transitioned to NBC News in 2021 after leaving ABC, is considered a strong contender. Given Holt’s own journey from the weekend to weekday editions, Nightly News weekend anchors Hallie Jackson and Jose Diaz-Balart are also seen as possible successors.
Holt becomes the second prominent NBC News anchor in recent months to step away from a flagship program while remaining within the network. Last month, Hoda Kotb officially exited NBC’s Today show, passing the role to Craig Melvin.
Holt’s full note to staff is included below:
Hello to all my Nightly News and Dateline colleagues,
I want to share with you a big decision I have made about my future at NBC News—a future that I’m happy to say will keep me here for years to come and do what I love.
After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News. 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.
But before we play the walk-off music, I have another announcement. I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity whereby I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about. I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.
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. 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.
All of you at Dateline and Nightly News are part of a formidable team, and in my opinion, are the greatest group of journalists one could hope to work with. It is a true privilege.
Thank you in advance for your kindness and understanding during this transition.
I plan to continue anchoring Nightly News through around the start of summer. As we get closer, I’ll of course firm up the date and keep all of you in the loop. In the meantime, to my Nightly friends, I look forward to sharing some banana pudding as is our send-off tradition!
With deep affection and admiration,
Lester