By David 
Lester Holt Announces Departure from NBC Nightly News Veteran journalist Lester Holt is stepping down as the managing editor and anchor of NBC Nightly News, with his exit scheduled for the summer of 2025. While he is leaving his primetime role, Holt will remain with NBC, shifting his focus to Dateline full-time. With decades of experience in the journalism industry, Holt has built an impressive career—and an even more impressive net worth and salary.
Who Is Lester Holt?
Lester Holt is a well-respected journalist with a career spanning over four decades. Before becoming a household name in news broadcasting, Holt worked as a DJ and later as a reporter. He spent nearly 20 years with CBS before joining MSNBC in 2000 and later moving to NBC in 2003. Over time, Holt climbed the ranks to become the lead anchor for NBC Nightly News and Dateline, earning a reputation as one of America’s most trusted news anchors.
Beyond journalism, Holt has made cameo appearances in films such as The Fugitive and Primal Fear.
Why Is Lester Holt Leaving NBC Nightly News?
In a February 2025 letter to NBC staff, Holt did not specify a reason for stepping down from Nightly News, but he reflected on his time at the network with gratitude.
“After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News,” Holt wrote. “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”
What’s Next for Lester Holt?
Although Holt is leaving Nightly News, he will continue his work with NBC as a full-time correspondent on Dateline. He expressed his excitement about this transition, emphasizing his passion for investigative journalism.
“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Holt said. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
Lester Holt’s Salary and Net Worth
Holt’s decades in the news industry have earned him a substantial salary and net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth:
- Annual Salary: $10 million
- Net Worth: $35 million
Who Will Replace Lester Holt?
NBC News has not yet confirmed Holt’s successor. However, The Hollywood Reporter has speculated that potential candidates include Top Story anchor Tom Llamas, as well as Nightly News weekend anchors Hallie Jackson and Jose Diaz-Balart.
Final Thoughts
Lester Holt’s departure from NBC Nightly News marks the end of an era, but his legacy in journalism continues. With his full-time role at Dateline, fans can still expect in-depth reporting and investigative stories from one of the most trusted names in news. Stay tuned for updates on his replacement and his future projects with NBC.