Lester Holt is sharing his reasons for transitioning from "NBC Nightly News" to full-time duties at "Dateline."
In a Variety interview published May 8, the veteran "Nightly" anchor discussed his decision to step away from the anchor desk.
"It wasn't a sudden realization," Holt shared with Variety. "I never envisioned myself in this role indefinitely," he explained, noting that he felt it was time to move on from 'Nightly' but still had more to give. "People may say it's been a good run, but I'm still going strong."
Holt, 65, announced his departure from "Nightly News" after a decade in February, opting to focus on in-depth reporting at "Dateline." He expressed excitement about exploring different storytelling techniques and taking on longer-form journalism in his new position.
"We're still committed to journalism, but now we have the opportunity to delve deeper into stories with hour and two-hour formats," Holt shared. "Some of the pieces you'll see me working on will have been in production for months." He emphasized the importance of having more time to develop and present compelling narratives.
In 2015, Holt assumed the anchor role on "Nightly" following Brian Williams' suspension for inaccuracies in reporting. Reflecting on that period, Holt acknowledged the challenges but also the opportunities it presented. He stressed the importance of being prepared for unexpected opportunities in the industry.
Transitioning to "Dateline," Holt identified staying ahead of audience trends as a key challenge. He emphasized the importance of providing viewers with relevant, insightful, and factual reporting to meet evolving needs and expectations.
"I believe there will always be a demand for honest, in-depth reporting that engages and informs viewers," Holt remarked. While embracing his new role, he remains appreciative of the traditional news format that has shaped his career and continues to attract millions of viewers nightly.
In a strategic move, NBC announced Tom Llamas as Holt's successor on "Nightly News" in March. Llamas, a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience, will bring his expertise to the anchor desk, continuing to lead the network's news coverage.
Llamas, known for his work at ABC and NBC, has proven himself as a reliable and versatile journalist. His transition to "Nightly News" signals a new chapter for the program, building on its legacy of delivering timely and impactful news coverage to audiences nationwide.