Lester Holt Steps Down from NBC Nightly News to Focus on Dateline

NEW YORK, NY – On May 30, 2025, Lester Holt signed off for the final time as anchor of NBC Nightly News. After more than a decade in the role, Holt announced he would transition to a full-time position with Dateline NBC.

During his emotional farewell, Holt reflected on his tenure at NBC Nightly News, stating, “It has been an honor to lead this program and an honor to be welcomed into your homes.” He expressed gratitude for the trust of viewers and spoke of the many significant events covered during his time, including the pandemic and mass shootings.

As part of his new role, Holt will expand his efforts on Dateline, where he has served as a principal anchor for almost 15 years. “I’ll be crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” he mentioned in a recent announcement.

While Holt is leaving the nightly news desk, viewers can still expect to see him on the Dateline broadcast, which is known for its deep dives into true crime stories. This week, Dateline airs an episode titled “Losing Faith” reported by Josh Mankiewicz, investigating the 2020 murder of Jamie Faith.

“I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, expanding my footprint on the broadcast,” Holt said, showcasing his enthusiasm for this new chapter.