Tom Llamas may not have undergone formal training in juggling, but his new role at NBC News is akin to keeping numerous significant plates spinning in the air. As he steps into the shoes of Lester Holt on the “NBC Nightly News” desk on Monday evening, one of Llamas’ initial responsibilities will be to ensure that the audience experiences a seamless transition, despite the fact that such a shift is one of the most substantial changes that can occur in the landscape of television. He will manage this transition while simultaneously maintaining his previous position as the anchor of “Top Story,” a one-hour streaming program on NBC News Now, which airs immediately after “Nightly” from Monday to Friday.
“It’s amusing, but most of the inquiries I’ve received” since NBC News announced his new position have revolved around “‘How are you going to manage this?’” Llamas shared during a recent interview with Variety. “I remind people that ‘Today’ is a four-hour live broadcast every single day.” This acknowledgment demonstrates his understanding of the demands of live television and his readiness to face the challenges that come with anchoring a major news program. Llamas recognizes that the expectations are high and that delivering news effectively requires both skill and dedication.
The essential factor, according to the 45-year-old self-effacing correspondent, is to convey to the audience that he is a representative for them in a world where even the straightforward act of delivering the news has become increasingly intricate. “I want viewers to never forget that we are out there working for them. I genuinely believe that even though I work for NBC, my true allegiance is to the viewer,” he articulates. “I want that to resonate because, ultimately, the audience must place their trust in you.” This perspective emphasizes the role of trust and transparency in journalism, which are vital components in engaging an audience.
Executives at NBC News are confident that by appointing Llamas as the “Nightly” anchor, they are meeting a genuine need for viewers. Here is someone who, prior to joining NBC, served as the weekend anchor for ABC News’ “World News Tonight,” the most-watched evening news program in the country. Llamas was widely regarded as a prime candidate to succeed the current anchor, David Muir, who is only 51 years old and seems to have no immediate plans to leave the position, given his strong ratings and established presence in broadcast journalism.
Now Llamas is poised to take the helm of the evening news as well, and there’s reason for cautious optimism. A recent revamp of “CBS Evening News” that features two anchors and has shifted its focus towards business and feature reporting has not garnered a positive reception, as Nielsen data indicates that both “Nightly” and “World News” have seen an increase in audience share. Additionally, executives were encouraged by Llamas’ performance on March 7, when he filled in for Holt on “Nightly” and attracted a larger audience among individuals aged 25 to 54—the demographic that advertisers most desire in news programming—compared to Muir’s viewership that evening. Historically, Muir has outperformed Llamas in that demographic by 21% during their head-to-head broadcasts, according to Nielsen ratings.
ABC News appears to be keenly aware of Llamas’ new role on “Nightly.” The Disney-owned news division recently made Muir available for a profile in People just days before Llamas’ inaugural broadcast. “I have a lot of admiration and respect for David, and I’m looking forward to competing against him every night,” Llamas expresses. “I’m sure he feels the same way.” This acknowledgment of competition reflects the intense landscape of evening news and the drive for ratings and audience engagement.
“Nightly” viewers can expect no significant overhauls or disruptions to the format they have come to know and love, which may be a strategic decision in light of the challenges faced by CBS News. “We genuinely approached this with immense respect for our audience. Many of our viewers grew up watching ‘Nightly’ with anchors like Tom Brokaw or Brian Williams,” states Janelle Rodriguez, executive vice president of programming for NBC News, during an interview. “There’s a visceral and emotional connection to the broadcast.” This statement highlights the importance of maintaining continuity in news programming to retain viewer loyalty.
Indeed, some new segments will be designed to appeal to wider audiences. An early initiative may involve NBC News correspondents investigating an issue that resonates with all Americans, regardless of their backgrounds. “We are going to take a very sharp and critical look at the insurance industry,” Llamas states. “People across this country from all walks of life are facing challenges” related to being denied coverage. In one upcoming report, a man suffering from liver cancer who was denied coverage for an experimental treatment was able to receive it after NBC News examined the circumstances surrounding his case. “I come from local news,” Llamas adds. “I don’t want to lean back.” This commitment to investigative journalism demonstrates Llamas’ focus on impactful storytelling.
NBC’s “Nightly” will also begin to enhance coverage related to the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026, with features highlighting historical locations and influential figures. “Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent,” Llamas remarks, the reports will spotlight topics that viewers should have a natural curiosity about. This approach aims to engage a diverse audience by focusing on universally appealing themes and narratives.
Llamas is only the fourth individual to anchor “Nightly” in four decades and has reached out to several of his predecessors for advice and guidance. However, this is not the role he envisioned for himself when he was just 15 years old, working as an overnight production assistant at WSCV, a Telemundo station in Miami. “Whatever they needed me to do, I would do,” Llamas recalls. “You’re fetching coffee, answering phones, operating the teleprompter, going to crime scenes, interviewing local officials.” He even had to rely on his mother for rides until he obtained his driver’s license. This journey illustrates the dedication and hard work that has shaped his career in journalism.
Now, he’s taking the desk at a challenging time for the TV news industry. The large audiences that once consistently tuned into television news have fragmented across myriad video platforms, and the media companies that operate news divisions are grappling with new financial pressures and increased political scrutiny. Adapting to these changes will be crucial for Llamas and the NBC news team as they navigate this evolving landscape.
Such factors play a significant role in the decision to have Llamas continue with his streaming responsibilities. “I think the way you survive is by being everywhere,” Llamas asserts. NBC plans to encourage “Top Story” viewers to tune into “Nightly,” and vice versa, Rodriguez explains. “We see this as an opportunity” to bridge gaps between different generations of viewers and to “create a variety of cross currents between the two shows.” This strategy reflects a forward-thinking approach to audience engagement.
Regarding politics, Llamas emphasizes that such matters are beyond his control. His focus remains on delivering the news. “You just have to concentrate on the news, focus on your job, and always remember, it’s never about you,” he states. “It’s not about you.” This statement underscores the principle that journalists must prioritize their role in informing the public rather than seeking personal recognition.
A key aspect of Llamas’ mission is to ensure that “Nightly” remains relevant and appealing for future generations, especially as news enthusiasts are inundated with information daily through digital and social media channels. “There’s just such a flood of news out there, and while that’s scattering audiences across multiple platforms, it’s also creating a greater need for people to have well-curated, thoughtful, contextualized journalism that makes the best use of their time,” Rodriguez explains. Such a program “will only become more vital as time goes on,” she adds, highlighting the importance of quality journalism in an information-saturated world.
That’s a considerable responsibility to shoulder during the first week of a new role, yet Llamas appears ready to embark on this journey. “I need to ensure that my energy level is peaking at 6:30. I might need a little Cuban coffee at 6:29,” he jokes, “After that, I mean, we’re off to the races.” His enthusiasm and readiness to dive into this new chapter highlight his commitment to delivering compelling news coverage.
