Lester Holt, the esteemed anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, is among the notable on-air journalists making significant career transitions within major news networks. In February 2025, he publicly announced his decision to step down from the program after dedicating nearly a decade to its helm. As devoted viewers absorb this surprising news, many are left speculating about his future endeavors—whether he is retiring or has accepted an enticing new role elsewhere. The pressing question on everyone’s minds is: where is Lester Holt headed after departing from Nightly News?
In the following sections, uncover the exciting opportunities that await Lester as he embarks on his next chapter following his exit from NBC Nightly News in the summer of 2025.
Understanding Lester Holt’s Departure from NBC Nightly News
Contrary to speculation, Lester Holt is not leaving NBCUniversal entirely; he is simply stepping away from his role on Nightly News. In a heartfelt letter addressed to his colleagues, the Emmy-winning journalist expressed that working on the program was nothing short of the “honor of a lifetime.”
In his poignant farewell message, Lester reflected, “After 10 years, and 17 if you factor in my weekend assignments, the moment has arrived for me to transition from my position as anchor of Nightly News.” He conveyed his deep appreciation for collaborating with his talented colleagues, emphasizing that their shared commitment to journalism has always placed viewers at the forefront of their work.
Within the same memo, Lester expressed his pride, stating, “I smile when I recall that with Nightly News and Dateline, I have helmed two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in the history of broadcast journalism. Reflecting on my early days as a 20-year-old radio reporter covering police stories in San Francisco, I could have never envisioned my career evolving in such extraordinary ways. What an incredible journey it has been.”
Uncovering the Reasons Behind Lester Holt’s Decision to Transition from Nightly News
In a candid discussion with Variety published on May 8, Lester elaborated on his choice to leave the daily news program, which he first anchored in 2015. He noted, “It wasn’t as if there was a singular moment of realization that prompted this decision.” He further explained, “I never envisioned myself in this role indefinitely,” asserting that he felt it was time to step back from the Nightly role, while still believing he has much to contribute. He concluded with a light-hearted remark, “People often say it’s been a remarkable run. My response is, well, I’m still running.”
Janelle Rodriguez, the Executive Vice President of Programming at NBC News, acknowledged Lester’s significant contributions in a note to staff, praising him for transforming Nightly News into a “trusted and premier news source for millions of viewers across the nation.” She emphasized that despite his transition, he will continue to be an integral part of NBC News for many years to come.
What’s Next for Lester Holt Following His Departure from NBC Nightly News?
Following his exit from Nightly News, Lester is set to embrace a full-time position on Dateline, a program where he has served as the principal anchor for nearly 15 years, providing investigative journalism and compelling storytelling.
Who Will Take Over Lester Holt’s Role as Anchor of NBC Nightly News?
NBC News has officially announced that Tom Llamas will take the reins as the new anchor of Nightly News, stepping into the role previously held by Lester Holt.
The Future of NBC Nightly News: Is Cancellation on the Horizon?
While there is speculation regarding the future of Nightly News, it remains unlikely that the program will be canceled. NBC clarified that Nightly News continues to perform exceptionally well, consistently ranking as a top television program with an audience averaging around 7 million viewers weekly.
Exploring Lester Holt’s Financial Success: Net Worth Insights
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lester Holt boasts an impressive net worth of $35 million, a testament to his successful career in journalism and television broadcasting.
Understanding Lester Holt’s Earnings: Salary Breakdown
Lester, a distinguished recipient of the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, commands an annual salary of $10 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of journalism and his esteemed position within NBC News.
