Lester Holt reveals why he’s leaving ‘Nightly News’ but staying at NBC

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Longtime NBC Nightly News Host Lester Holt Reveals Reasons for Stepping Away from Anchor Desk

Lester Holt, the host of “NBC Nightly News,” recently shared his decision to step away from the anchor desk after 10 years but remain at the Peacock Network. In an interview with Variety, the 66-year-old reflected on his career at NBC, his upcoming departure from the anchor chair, and his return to reporting roots at “Dateline.”

Holt explained that his decision to leave the anchor chair was not a sudden epiphany but rather a realization that he never saw himself in that role forever. After a conversation with his wife, he decided to transition away from “Nightly News” but still had “gas in the tank” for other projects.

Lester Holt revealed the reasons behind his exit from the “Nightly News” anchor chair. AP

The departure of Holt from the evening news did not come as a surprise to media insiders, especially with the hiring of Tom Llamas from ABC News in 2021. Llamas will take over for Holt on May 30.

While Holt bids farewell to “Nightly News,” viewers can still catch him on “Dateline,” where he has been a presence for the past 15 years. Holt expressed his excitement about returning to his reporting roots on the newsmagazine program, where he will have more freedom than his anchoring gig.

Holt said he’s looking forward to returning to his reporting roots as he moved full time to 'Dateline.' — Holt said he’s looking forward to returning to his reporting roots as he moved full time to “Dateline.” AP

With his new role on “Dateline,” Holt plans to flex “some different news muscles” and take on in-depth stories that may span months in the making. NBC executives are hopeful that Holt’s presence on “Dateline” will give the show a boost in viewership against rival ABC’s “20/20.”

As Holt transitions to “Dateline,” NBC is also hoping for a shift in the evening news landscape, with Tom Llamas taking over “Nightly News” and potentially closing the gap with ABC’s “World News with David Muir.”

In reflecting on his career and the future of journalism, Holt emphasized the importance of adapting to where viewers are heading and the continued relevance of fact-based reporting. Despite his departure from “Nightly News,” Holt remains committed to his journalistic endeavors.

As Holt concludes his tenure at “Nightly News,” he looks forward to the next chapter in his career, stating, “People say it’s been a great run. It’s like, well, I’m still running.”