Lester Holt has finally spoken about his exit from NBC Nightly News as he confessed that he craves more freedom, announcing his exit in February. Lester Holt is leaving NBC Nightly News and has now spoken about why he is leaving.
The 66-year-old is looking for greater independence in his work and to shed the anchor desk to go back to in-depth reporting with Dateline. Holt has expressed his enthusiasm about returning to old-school reporting, “We’re still doing journalism, but these are hour and two-hour shows we’re doing. Some of the stories you’ll see me doing will be months in the making.”
The NBC star admitted a desire to work “some different news muscles” at Dateline, where he seeks to push past conventional limits.
Discussing his move into a more full-time position at Dateline, he added, “I’ve done a lot of things that are outside of what many would think is a traditional Dateline, but I want to do more of those.”
Telling Variety, Lester also detailed why he departed NBC Nightly News as he acknowledged the job’s temporary nature, “I never saw myself doing this job forever.” Ten years since he replaced Brian Williams as NBC Nightly News’ face, Holt openly revealed eagerness for change.
“I made up my mind that I had to get off the Nightly show, but I still had gas in the tank,” he admitted. Holt initially announced his departure in February, with a statement emphasizing his eagerness to work more with Dateline.
The release stated, “I will be growing my presence on the broadcast and developing Dateline hours on topics I’m passionate about. I am excited to be able to work more closely with my incredibly talented colleagues at Dateline as the broadcast continues to expand and draw in new audiences.”
Since Holt’s departure, NBC Nightly News will be assumed by journalist Tom Llamas. Commenting on assuming Holt’s position, Llmas stated, “Anchoring ‘NBC Nightly News’ is a deep privilege and one that is filled with extraordinary responsibility. I am excited to be working with the world class journalists at ‘Nightly News’ and ‘Top Story’ and delivering the most consequential stories each evening to our viewers.”
He added, “Lester Holt is a wonderful person and one of the most trusted newsmen of our generation. Just like Lester, I vow to be committed to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”