Former WBBM-TV news anchor Lester Holt has announced his decision to step down as the anchor of NBC Nightly News after a decade-long tenure. In a memo to staff on February 24, 2025, Holt, 65, expressed that “the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News.”
Reflecting on his career, he added, “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.” Holt will continue his association with NBC, transitioning to a full-time role at Dateline NBC, where he has served as the principal anchor since September 2011. His departure from “Nightly News” is slated for early summer, with no successor announced yet.
Holt’s journey to national prominence was significantly shaped by his time in Chicago. In 1986, he joined WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago, as the evening news anchor. During his 14-year tenure at there, Holt became a trusted voice for Chicagoans, covering a wide array of local and national stories.
His commitment to delivering in-depth and reliable news solidified his reputation in the industry. In 2000, Holt departed WBBM-TV to join MSNBC, marking the beginning of his long-standing relationship with NBC.
Holt’s departure from NBC Nightly News comes during a period of notable transitions within NBC. Other prominent figures, such as Today show host Hoda Kotb and Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd, have also recently exited their roles. These changes reflect a broader evolution in the network’s lineup as it adapts to the dynamic media landscape.
Throughout his illustrious career, Holt has been recognized for his unwavering dedication to journalism and his ability to navigate the complexities of news reporting with integrity and clarity. As he transitions to his expanded role at Dateline NBC, audiences can look forward to his continued commitment to investigative journalism and storytelling.
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