NBC News has announced that Tom Llamas will take over as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News starting this summer, succeeding Lester Holt. Llamas will also continue his role as the anchor of Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW.
Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president for programming, highlighted Llamas’ strong journalistic background, commitment to storytelling, and integrity, noting that these qualities align with the legacy of Nightly News. His appointment marks a historic moment, as he will be the first Latino journalist to anchor the weeknight edition of the broadcast.
Holt, who has led the program for a decade, announced last week that he would be stepping down from Nightly News but will remain with NBC as the host of Dateline NBC.
Llamas expressed gratitude for Holt’s leadership, calling him “one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time.” He assured viewers of his commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news, saying, “Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”
Llamas, who began his NBC News career 25 years ago as a production assistant, returned to the network in 2021 as a senior national correspondent. Since then, he has led breaking news coverage and anchored Top Story.
As Llamas steps into the anchor role, NBC Nightly News continues to be a top-rated program, reaching millions of viewers and experiencing audience growth in recent months.
