Lester Holt, after leading NBC Nightly News since 2015, will soon step down from his role, leaving fans wondering who will take over. NBC national correspondent Tom Llamas has been named as his successor. Llamas, a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience, will continue hosting his primetime streaming show Top Story with Tom Llamas while anchoring Nightly News. Known for his coverage of major global events, Llamas brings a wealth of experience to the desk. What’s next for NBC’s flagship evening program as a new chapter begins? Stay tuned for more!

Who Will Take Over NBC Nightly News After Lester Holt?

Lester Holt, the trusted face of NBC Nightly News since 2015, is set to anchor his final broadcast on Friday evening. The 65-year-old journalist, who has helmed the network’s flagship evening program for nearly a decade, announced in February that he would be stepping down from the role. While Holt will continue his work as the primary anchor for Dateline, the search for his replacement has already been settled, with NBC News national correspondent Tom Llamas taking over the Nightly News desk.

Tom Llamas Named New Anchor of NBC Nightly News

Tom Llamas, an experienced journalist with over 25 years in the industry, will officially take the reins of NBC Nightly News following Holt’s departure. Llamas, who has been a key figure at NBC since returning to the network four years ago, will continue to host his daily primetime streaming program, Top Story with Tom Llamas, on NBC News NOW while adding Nightly News to his responsibilities.

“I look forward to working with the world-class journalists at Nightly News and Top Story to bring viewers the most important stories every night,” Llamas said in a statement, expressing his excitement about the new role.

Llamas’ Storied Career

Llamas’ career trajectory has been marked by significant achievements in broadcast journalism. He began his career at NBC, but it was at ABC News where he gained widespread recognition, serving as the network’s chief national affairs correspondent and weekend anchor for World News Tonight. During his tenure at ABC, Llamas became known for his compelling coverage of major national and global events.

Four years ago, Llamas made his return to NBC News, where he became a prominent contributor and fill-in anchor for Nightly News. His extensive experience includes covering high-profile stories such as the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the 2024 assassination attempt on President Trump, and the devastating Lahaina wildfires. Llamas has also conducted interviews with world leaders and influential figures like President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Llamas’ reporting and leadership have earned him multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards, as well as recognition from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading voices in broadcast journalism.

Why Is Lester Holt Leaving?

In an interview with Variety, Holt shared the reasons behind his decision to step down from NBC Nightly News. While he emphasized his deep respect for the role, Holt explained that he felt the need to focus more on long-form storytelling through Dateline.

“The big buy-in was to be able to do more of the hours,” Holt said, explaining his desire to dedicate more time to in-depth reporting. “I once spent two nights in prison for a Dateline story, and I’ve done heartbreaking stories on the asthma crisis and the economy… but I want to do more of those.”

Holt noted that stepping away from the fast-paced nature of Nightly News would allow him greater flexibility to focus on the type of long-form journalism that he is passionate about. “I want to be able to tell a producer, ‘Yes, I’ll be there for that interview next week,’ because I won’t be jumping after whatever is happening for Nightly,” he added.

While Holt’s departure marks the end of an era at NBC Nightly News, his continued work on Dateline will keep him in the spotlight, allowing him to pursue the stories he’s most passionate about.

The Future of NBC Nightly News Under Llamas’ Leadership

As Llamas takes over as anchor of NBC Nightly News, the program will undoubtedly see a shift in tone and style under his leadership. Llamas brings with him a wealth of experience in breaking news and political coverage, which will help him tackle the major stories that dominate the nightly news cycle. His transition into this high-profile role is likely to be smooth given his background and the trust he has already built with NBC News viewers.

With Llamas at the helm, NBC Nightly News will continue to be a trusted source for breaking news and in-depth reports, while also adapting to the changing landscape of broadcast journalism. His leadership promises to bring a fresh perspective to the program, which has long been synonymous with credible, reliable news reporting.

Conclusion: A New Era for NBC Nightly News

Lester Holt’s departure from NBC Nightly News marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the program, but it also signals a new era for the network’s flagship evening broadcast. Tom Llamas, a seasoned and accomplished journalist, will take on the role with the experience and skills needed to continue the show’s tradition of excellence in news reporting.

As Holt shifts his focus to long-form storytelling with Dateline, Llamas will carry the mantle of NBC Nightly News, guiding it through the evolving landscape of modern broadcast journalism. Fans can expect a seamless transition as Llamas brings his own voice and perspective to the role, ensuring that the show remains a staple of American news for years to come.