When Lester Holt made the announcement that he’s stepping away from his anchor position at NBC Nightly News, it sent waves through the journalism world. Fans and colleagues alike were surprised by the decision, but as Closer dives into the details, it's clear that this move isn’t just about change—it’s about passion. Lester is pivoting to focus more on the network’s iconic Dateline series, which he has called home for years. Let’s break down why he’s leaving and what this means for his future at NBC.
Why Lester Holt Decided to Leave 'NBC Nightly News'
After an incredible decade as the face of NBC Nightly News, Lester Holt decided it was time to make a bold career shift. For ten years, he has been a trusted voice in American households, delivering the day’s top stories with poise and professionalism. But even legendary anchors know when it’s time for a change. On February 24, 2025, Lester shared a heartfelt memo with his colleagues, reflecting on his journey so far.
In his memo, Lester reminisced about his journey, saying, “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.” He went on to express his gratitude for the incredible ride, noting, “As a 20-year-old radio reporter chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. It’s been an amazing journey.”
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But it’s not just about looking back. Lester also looked forward, explaining, “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”
Lester Holt’s New Role at NBC's 'Dateline'
While Lester is stepping back from NBC Nightly News, he’s not leaving NBC entirely. Instead, he’s diving headfirst into Dateline, a show that has been a cornerstone of his career for over a decade. In his memo, Lester expressed excitement about this new chapter, saying, “I’m thrilled to report that I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity. This means I’ll be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about.”
His passion for storytelling and investigative journalism shines through in this decision. Lester went on to say, “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. This is an opportunity to take the show to even greater heights, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
How Long Has Lester Holt Been at 'Dateline'?
Lester has been a mainstay at Dateline since 2011, where he quickly became the principal anchor. His tenure on NBC Nightly News began in 2015, following the departure of Brian Williams. Now, with this transition, Lester is ready to bring his full focus back to the show that has captivated audiences for decades.
When Is Lester Holt Leaving 'NBC Nightly News'?
While the exact date of Lester’s final broadcast hasn’t been announced, NBC has confirmed that he’ll be departing in the early summer of 2025. Fans will surely tune in to watch him sign off from the anchor desk that has been his home for so long.
Lester Holt Is Proud of His Legacy at 'Dateline'
Back in 2017, Lester celebrated Dateline’s 26th anniversary with a sense of awe. “To be associated with a primetime broadcast news program that has run this long is pretty amazing — there aren’t too many shows that have had this kind of longevity,” the California native told People. He even joked about his dual identity, saying, “I always get amused because there are people who only know me from Dateline — ‘There goes that Dateline dude!’ But of course, I’m also the NBC Nightly News dude, so it’s funny. But people really want to get into it and discuss some of these stories with me.”
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Lester Holt Shares the Secret to 'Dateline's Success'
According to Lester, the key to Dateline’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to blend real-life drama with captivating storytelling. “I think Dateline is popular — and the murder mysteries extremely popular — because they’re pulse-pounding dramas, but they’re real life,” Lester explained. “They really happened. They play like movies in terms of the set-ups and the scenarios, but of course there are real people and real lives impacted, and I think that just adds an element that people find hard to resist.”
He added, “These are fascinating stories of people who could have easily been your next-door neighbor or your coworker. And that’s what makes it so bizarre and so compelling. It’s not just about the crime; it’s about the human experience behind it.”
