Lester Holt Leaves NBC Nightly News, Joins Dateline Reporting

Lester Holt is stepping down as the anchor of NBC Nightly News after a decade, with his final broadcast scheduled for May 30. Rather than retiring, Holt will transition to a full-time reporting role on NBC's newsmagazine Dateline, allowing him to engage in longer, more in-depth storytelling that he was unable to pursue while anchoring a nightly news program. Holt cited extensive reflection, including conversations with his wife and confidants, as influencing his decision to leave the anchor desk, emphasizing he "still has gas in the tank" and a desire to explore "different news muscles." His new role on Dateline involves more active reporting on complex topics, including crime and social issues, with the flexibility to commit to stories well in advance, unlike the immediate demands of nightly news. The change comes amidst speculation about his succession, as Tom Llamas, a former ABC News anchor, is set to take over the NBC Nightly News anchor position. Holt looks forward to deepening his involvement in journalism through long-form, investigative features, reflecting a strategic shift toward a format that has grown in viewer loyalty and revenue for NBC.