Lester Holt is leaving NBC Nightly News after spending a decade as its anchor and managing editor. The 65-year-old announced his decision to step down from the program in a note to staffers on Monday. Calling the journey an “amazing ride,” the reporter revealed that he will be moving on to a new full-time role at Dateline, reported New York Post. While he did not immediately name a successor, speculations about his replacement are circulating.
Who will replace Lester Holt? Veteran journalist steps down as NBC Nightly News anchor
Following his departure from the evening program this summer, Holt will continue to stay at the network, taking on a full-time role at Dateline, where he has served as a principal anchor since 2011.
“I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a fulltime capacity whereby I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” the veteran journalist said in his memo.
While NBC has yet to name Holt's successor, reporters Tom Llamas, Hallie Jackson, and Jose Diaz-Balart are being seen as his potential replacements, per Hollywood Reporter.
“I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places,” Holt added.
NBC News Executive vice president of programming Janelle Rodriguez also issued a statement announcing Holt's departure.
{{/usCountry}}NBC News Executive vice president of programming Janelle Rodriguez also issued a statement announcing Holt's departure.
{{/usCountry}}“A short time ago, Lester shared with his team that after 10 years as the NBC Nightly News anchor, he’s taking on a dedicated full-time role at Dateline, his second home,” she wrote in the memo, Fox News reported.
Holt's departure comes on the heels of MSNBC cancelling Joy Reid's show, Hoda Kotb leaving Today, and Andrea Mitchell ending her daytime MSNBC program.