Lester Holt

On May 8, 2003, Lester Holt joined NBC News full-time after having worked as a substitute anchor for the network. Before joining NBC News, Holt was a prominent journalist at CBS News and CNBC. At NBC, Holt initially served as a substitute anchor for "NBC Nightly News" and "Today," as well as a correspondent. His transition to NBC marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journalism career and set the stage for his later prominence within the network, eventually leading to his role as the anchor of "NBC Nightly News."

On September 7, 2007, Lester Holt began co-anchoring the weekend edition of "Today," NBC's morning news program. He shared anchoring duties with Amy Robach. Holt's move to "Weekend Today" was part of a career strategy to place experienced and trusted journalists in key positions across NBC's programming. His presence on the weekend show provided stability and drew in viewers who valued Holt's authoritative style and journalistic integrity, contributing to the program's success over the years.

On June 18, 2015, Lester Holt was named the permanent anchor of "NBC Nightly News," replacing Brian Williams. This made him the first African American to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast in American history. Holt had been filling in as interim anchor since February 2015 after Williams was suspended. His appointment was seen as a significant moment for diversity in journalism, and Holt quickly gained a reputation for his calm and authoritative delivery. Under Holt's leadership, the show continued to be one of the most-watched news programs in the United States.

In July 2016, Lester Holt covered the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, where Donald Trump was officially nominated as the Republican candidate for President. Holt's coverage was part of NBC News' comprehensive reporting on the political event, offering insights and analysis into the proceedings and the political atmosphere of the time. Holt's work during the RNC was noted for his balanced reporting and ability to convey the various dimensions of the convention to the viewing public.

On September 26, 2016, Lester Holt moderated the first presidential debate between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump. The debate was held at Hofstra University and was watched by an estimated 84 million people, making it the most-watched debate in American history at the time. Holt's performance as a moderator was scrutinized by many, with some critics praising his firmness in managing the candidates, while others noted challenges in the format. This event showcased Holt's prominence in political journalism and his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

On May 11, 2017, Lester Holt conducted an exclusive interview with President Donald Trump. During the interview, President Trump made headlines by stating that the firing of FBI Director James Comey was related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. This admission by Trump during the interview with Holt was seen as a significant revelation and sparked widespread analysis and discussions across the media and political landscape. Holt's interview was noted for its direct questioning and its pivotal role in furthering the understanding of events within the Trump administration.

In February 2018, Lester Holt traveled to North Korea, providing exclusive reports for NBC News from within one of the world's most reclusive and tightly controlled countries. Holt's reporting during this period included an array of stories that gave audiences a rare glimpse into life in North Korea, amid heightened tensions over nuclear diplomacy between the United States and North Korea. His work was praised for offering unique insights during a critical time in international relations. The visit highlighted Holt's commitment to on-the-ground reporting.

On October 1, 2018, NBC News announced that Lester Holt would become the sole anchor of "NBC Nightly News," continuing to cover the weekday editions. Prior to this, Holt had shared some responsibilities with the weekend team following the reorganization of the news division. His engagement as the primary weekday anchor cemented his status within NBC as a leading voice in American journalism. This decision by NBC was seen as an endorsement of Holt's commanding presence and trustworthiness as perceived by the audience.

On April 1, 2020, Lester Holt hosted the NBC News/MSNBC Democratic primary forum, where the presidential candidates addressed the nation amid the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. This forum, conducted remotely due to health and safety concerns, was a pivotal moment in adapting political coverage to new realities brought on by the pandemic. Holt's experience and calm demeanor were crucial in facilitating discussions and addressing public concerns about healthcare, the economy, and national leadership during a time of unprecedented crisis.

On December 12, 2021, Lester Holt was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing his significant contributions to the field of broadcast journalism. Holt's career spans decades in news reporting, and his work at NBC News, particularly as the anchor of "NBC Nightly News," has been marked by integrity, clarity, and professionalism. The NAB Hall of Fame induction is one of the highest honors in the broadcasting industry and commemorates Holt's impact on journalism as a role model and pioneer.