NBC Night Time Host Lester Holt Steps Down

Malena Kaniuff

February 25, 2025

Holt continues to work at NBC on the news magazine genre “Dateline,” where he has been the principal anchor for almost 15 years.

Holt was named anchor of “Nightly News” in June 2015 after steering weekend editions of the news broadcast for eight years and co-anchoring “Weekend TODAY” for 12 years. He has served as principal anchor of “Dateline” since September 2011.

“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Holt wrote in a memo to staff on Monday, NBC reported.

In his 10 years at the helm of “Nightly News,” Holt covered the defining events of the era, including the political rise of President Donald Trump, the Covid pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel and the war in Gaza.

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He has been named the “most-trusted television news personality in America” two consecutive times, according to polls from The Hollywood Reporter and Morning Consult. “Nightly News” is consistently a top television show each week, averaging around 7 million viewers.

NBC News did not immediately name Holt’s successor.

About the Contributor

Malena Kaniuff, Editor-in-Chief

Malena Kaniuff is the Editor-in-Chief of RMU Sentry Media, leading a team of student journalists in delivering news, sports coverage, and multimedia content to the Robert Morris University community. A senior majoring in News and Sports Communication, she is passionate about storytelling, investigative reporting, and amplifying student voices. Originally from Clinton, PA, she has covered a wide range of topics, from campus events to collegiate athletics, always striving for accuracy and engagement. Outside of journalism, Malena enjoys hanging out with friends and family, spending time with their dog, and embracing creativity through music and art. A book lover at heart, she appreciates the power of a good story, whether in print or on the screen.