Alright, here's the scoop: NBC has made its big decision. On March 5, the network officially announced that Tom Llamas will be stepping into the anchor chair at NBC Nightly News, replacing the legendary Lester Holt. It’s a major moment in the world of broadcast journalism, and the network is confident they’ve chosen the right person to carry the torch.

Why Tom Llamas? Let’s Break It Down

According to Janelle Rodriguez, the Executive Vice President of Programming at NBC News, Tom Llamas is the perfect fit. “Tom has the winning combination of journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unyielding integrity—qualities that have always been synonymous with NBC Nightly News,” she said in an official statement. But that's not all. Rodriguez also highlighted Tom’s role in helping NBC News NOW become a leading streaming news network. “He’s played a huge part in introducing NBC News to a new generation of viewers,” she added. That’s no small feat in today’s digital age.

Tom Llamas: The Man, The Myth, The Anchor

At 45 years old, Tom Llamas is stepping into a role that carries not just prestige but also immense responsibility. He’s calling it a “profound honor,” one that he doesn’t take lightly. “I look forward to working with the world-class journalists at Nightly News and Top Story to bring viewers the most important stories every single night,” Tom said in his own statement. He’s not just replacing Lester Holt; he’s promising to continue the legacy of truth and dedication that has defined NBC Nightly News for decades.

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Words of Praise for Lester Holt

Tom didn’t hesitate to tip his hat to his predecessor. “Lester is a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time,” Tom said. And he didn’t stop there. “Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.” That’s a powerful statement, and it shows that Tom understands the gravity of the position he’s stepping into.

What’s Next for Tom and Lester?

In addition to his new role as anchor, Tom will also take on the title of managing editor. As for Lester Holt, the 65-year-old veteran journalist announced on February 24 that he’ll be leaving Nightly News this summer. While the exact date of Tom’s first day hasn’t been announced, it’s clear that the baton is being passed.

Lester, for his part, isn’t stepping away from journalism entirely. He plans to focus on Dateline full-time, expanding his role in the show he’s helped make iconic. “I’m 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,” Lester said in his memo to staffers. It’s a bittersweet moment, but one that Lester seems to embrace with grace and enthusiasm.

A Look Back at Lester’s Incredible Career

When Lester looks back on his career, he can’t help but smile. “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 said. And it’s true—his career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a radio reporter chasing breaking news around San Francisco, Lester never imagined his journey would take him to the heights it has. “What an amazing ride,” he reflected.

Reactions From the NBC Family

Lester’s departure hasn’t gone unnoticed. Several of his NBC colleagues were quick to pay tribute to his incredible tenure on Nightly News. Dylan Dreyer, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Craig Melvin all took to social media to express their admiration and gratitude for Lester’s leadership and friendship. Dylan, in particular, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “You’d think the most nerve-wracking day of my career was my first day on air at Weekend Today. But @lesterholtnbc made me feel so comfortable from day one,” she wrote. “It has been a true honor to work and grow alongside him from then, to hurricane coverage, to @nbcnightlynews, to fun experiments on @nightlykids. A true professional, an incredible interviewer and anchor, a friend. Congratulations on this next phase of your inspirational career, Lester!!”

Tom Llamas Replacing Lester Holt at NBC Nightly News — Rick Kern/FilmMagic

As Lester moves into his new role at Dateline, it’s clear that his legacy at NBC Nightly News will live on. And with Tom Llamas at the helm, the future of the show looks bright. Stay tuned for what’s sure to be an exciting new chapter in the world of broadcast news.