As Lester Holt bids farewell to his iconic role on NBC Nightly News, the network is buzzing with speculation over who will fill those big shoes. According to insiders, top contenders like Tom Llamas and Hallie Jackson are in the running for this prestigious position. The decision is said to be a close call, but sources suggest that Tom might have the edge.
Who's in the Running?
“It’s definitely going to be Tom,” an NBC insider revealed to Page Six on February 24. “It’s really a race between Tom and Hallie Jackson, but Tom is almost a sure thing.”
Meet the Contenders
Tom Llamas, who is 45, is no stranger to the world of news. As a senior national correspondent, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. His current role as the host of Top Story With Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW showcases his ability to handle major news stories with poise and professionalism. On the other hand, Hallie Jackson, 40, has made a name for herself as the senior White House correspondent and host of Hallie Jackson NOW. Her versatility is evident in her role as the anchor for MSNBC’s 3 p.m. hour.
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Both Tom and Hallie have proven their mettle in the competitive world of journalism, making them strong candidates for this high-profile position.
Lester Holt's Legacy
Lester Holt's announcement on February 24 shocked longtime NBC viewers. The beloved anchor revealed that he would be stepping down from his position at NBC Nightly News to focus more on the network’s Dateline series. Lester, who is 65, has been a household name for over a decade, and his decision to make a major career move comes as a surprise to many.
Reflecting on his journey, Lester expressed his gratitude in a memo to staff. “A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Lester wrote. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career unfolding this way. What an incredible journey it’s been.”
“After 10 years, 17 if you count the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as the anchor of Nightly News. It’s been the honor of a lifetime working with each of you, keeping journalism as our guiding star and our viewers at the center of everything we do,” he added.
While Lester is stepping back from NBC Nightly News, he’s not leaving the network entirely. He’s set to take on a new role at Dateline NBC. “I’m thrilled to announce that I will be continuing as anchor of DatelineNBC, but this time in a full-time capacity. This will allow me to expand my involvement in the broadcast and work on Dateline hours that align with my personal interests,” Lester told his coworkers.
“I’m excited to work more closely with the talented team at Dateline as the program continues to grow and attract new audiences in various platforms,” he added.
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Although an exact date for Lester’s final NBC Nightly News telecast hasn’t been announced, the network anticipates his departure to occur in early summer 2025.
Following the announcement, several NBC alums expressed their support for Lester. Savannah Guthrie took to Instagram to congratulate her colleague, writing, “Congratulations to @lesterholtnbc on an incredible decade and the exciting new chapter ahead! I’m so grateful for all the historic moments we’ve shared together—you’ve always been the epitome of class.”
Hoda Kotb, a former Today show host, also chimed in with a playful message. She posted a photo of Lester and wrote, “Lester! Hats off to a stellar run on @nbcnightlynews! Now all that's left is a move to the suburbs and a @toyota Sienna minivan! Love you @lesterholtnbc. Xo.”
