Lester Holt Bids Farewell to NBC Nightly News After a Decade of Trustworthy Coverage
Well, folks, it’s officially time to say goodbye to one of the most beloved faces in news. Lester Holt, the familiar anchor of NBC Nightly News, announced he’s stepping down after a stellar ten years behind the desk. As of February 24, Holt will be taking on a full-time gig with Dateline, a show he’s been on for nearly 15 years. Talk about multitasking! In a heartfelt note to his colleagues, Holt reminisced about his career, saying, “What an amazing ride,” and he can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic reflecting on his journey from a 20-year-old radio reporter covering crime in San Francisco to becoming a household name.
Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ Executive VP of Programming, confirmed Holt will continue anchoring Nightly News until early summer before he officially transitions to Dateline. Over the years, Holt has guided us through monumental events, from the pandemic to major elections, and even natural disasters like the recent fires in Los Angeles. There’s something to be said for that blend of professionalism and comfort he brought to our screens—who can forget his reassuring sign-off, “Please take care of yourself, and each other”?
His departure is bound to leave a significant gap. The anchor has been voted the “most-trusted television news personality in America” more than once (thanks, folks!), which means his successor better be ready for some seriously big shoes to fill. Rodriguez put it bluntly, saying, “Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization.” So, who’s up next? It seems like the guessing game is already underway.
Having earned respect not only from viewers but also from colleagues, Holt’s legacy in broadcast journalism is cemented. As E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family, you can bet this is a huge deal in the world of television. So, here’s to Lester Holt—may his Dateline adventures be as captivating as his Nightly News days!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and NBC News, People Magazine, Deadline
