Tom Llamas is set to become the new face of "NBC Nightly News."
According to USA Today, replacing Lester Holt, Llamas will anchor the prominent news program and serve as its managing editor.
Announced by NBC News on a Wednesday, this appointment comes as Holt prepares to leave his position this early summer, moving to a dedicated role at "Dateline NBC." No specific date for the transition has been provided. Tom Llamas brings over two and a half decades of experience in broadcast journalism to his new role.
Llamas is no stranger to the anchor desk, having filled in on "NBC Nightly News" since 2021. He concurrently anchors "Top Story with Tom Llamas" on the NBC News NOW streaming service.
In addition to these responsibilities, he serves as a senior national correspondent for NBC and contributes to the "Today" show. His background includes anchoring "World News Tonight" on weekends for ABC News, where he also filled in for David Muir.
Lester Holt first made public his intention to step down on February 24, 2025. He expressed a deep commitment to journalism and a desire to focus on producing in-depth segments for "Dateline." Holt's departure marks the end of a significant ten-year chapter at "NBC Nightly News."
Janelle Rodriguez, the Executive Vice President of Programming at NBC News, praised Llamas. She highlighted his integrity and passion, asserting that these qualities ideally position him to continue the legacy of the nightly news program.
Tom Llamas shared his thoughts on assuming this prestigious role:
"Lester Holt is a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time. Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth."
Llamas also noted the responsibility of this role and his eagerness to collaborate with top journalists to deliver important news every night. Additionally, he will maintain his "Top Story" role during weeknights, ensuring his continued presence on NBC News NOW.
This leadership change at "NBC Nightly News" aligns with several other high-profile shuffles within the industry. Notable exits include Joy Reid and Hoda Kotb, and a reconfiguration at "CBS Evening News," which saw John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois stepping in to replace Norah O'Donnell.
The shift reflects the broader industry's response to evolving viewer behaviors and the competitive news landscape. With Llamas at the helm, "NBC Nightly News" is poised to maintain its position as a trusted nightly news source. Lester Holt, reflecting on his tenure and the path ahead, emphasized the honor he felt working with the NBC News team and the centrality of viewers and journalism to his efforts.
Holt communicated his enthusiasm about intensifying his involvement at "Dateline" and exploring topics that deeply interest him. He summarized his outlook on his past and future contributions to journalism and NBC News.
As Tom Llamas steps into the role previously held by Lester Holt, both the legacy and future of "NBC Nightly News" are poised to continue under strong journalistic principles. Llamas' vast experience and dedication to truthful reporting promise to keep the program a reliable source for news viewers nationwide. Meanwhile, Lester Holt's new focus at "Dateline NBC" will likely offer him opportunities to dive deeper into investigative storytelling.
