Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lester Holt

How Lester Holt built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lester Holt is an American news anchor currently headlining NBC Nightly News, NBC Nightly News Kids Edition, and Dateline NBC. He became the permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News on June 18, 2015, after Brian Williams' demotion. Holt holds the distinction of being the first Black male solo anchor for a major network newscast, following in the footsteps of Max Robinson. His career highlights his prominence in broadcast journalism and his role as a leading figure in American news media.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1981: Hired as Reporter for WCBS-TV

In 1981, Lester Holt was hired as a reporter for WCBS-TV in New York City.

1982: Reporter and Weekend Anchor on KNXT

In 1982, Lester Holt became a reporter and weekend anchor on KNXT in Los Angeles.

1986: Moved to WBBM-TV in Chicago

In 1986, Lester Holt moved to WBBM-TV in Chicago, where he spent 14 years anchoring the evening news.

2000: Joined MSNBC

In 2000, Lester Holt joined MSNBC.

2003: Full-Time Duties at NBC News

In 2003, Lester Holt assumed full-time duties at NBC News, becoming a substitute anchor for NBC Nightly News and Today.

2005: Anchored Newscast on MSNBC

Until late 2005, Lester Holt anchored a two-hour daily newscast on MSNBC.

2006: Announced Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

In 2006, Lester Holt announced the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the USA Network.

May 9, 2007: Anchor of Weekend NBC Nightly News

On May 9, 2007, Lester Holt was named anchor of the weekend edition of NBC Nightly News.

2007: Announced Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

In 2007, Lester Holt announced the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the USA Network.

2008: Hosted Documentary and Announced Dog Show

In 2008, Lester Holt hosted the Sci-Fi Channel documentary Mystery of the Crystal Skulls and announced the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the USA Network.

2008: Hosted Special and Narrated Documentary

In 2008, Lester Holt served as a sportsdesk reporter for NBC Sports coverage of the Summer Olympics and narrated a documentary regarding actual crystal skulls on the Sci-Fi Channel.

2012: First On-Air Job

In 2012, Lester Holt recalled that his first on-air job was as a disc jockey at a Country and Western radio station.

2013: Filled in as Weekday Anchor

In 2013, Lester Holt filled in as weekday anchor for Brian Williams on NBC Nightly News during William's medical leave.

June 18, 2015: Permanent Anchor of NBC Nightly News

On June 18, 2015, Lester Holt was appointed as the permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News, succeeding Brian Williams.

2015: Permanently Replaced Brian Williams

In 2015, Lester Holt permanently replaced Brian Williams as the anchor of NBC Nightly News after Williams was suspended.

January 2016: Moderated Democratic Presidential Candidates' Debate

In January 2016, Lester Holt moderated the Democratic presidential candidates' debate.

September 26, 2016: Moderated First Presidential Debate

On September 26, 2016, Lester Holt moderated the first presidential debate. His performance was considered admirable by journalists.

2016: Moderated Presidential Debate

In 2016, Lester Holt moderated a presidential debate.

May 2017: Interviewed President Trump

In May 2017, Lester Holt interviewed President Trump, discussing Trump's firing of FBI director James Comey, leading to extensive media coverage.

2017: Interviewed President Donald Trump

In 2017, Lester Holt interviewed President Donald Trump, an event that was noted for his tough but appropriate questions.

May 31, 2020: Delivered Virtual Commencement Speech

On May 31, 2020, Lester Holt delivered a virtual commencement speech for the 254th graduating class of Rutgers University due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Covered COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, Lester Holt extensively covered the COVID-19 pandemic and saw a spike in ratings alongside other evening news shows, often ending his shows with monologues.

2022: Announced Death of Queen Elizabeth II

In 2022, Lester Holt announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II in an NBC News Special Report.

October 2023: Covered Hamas Attack on Israel

In October 2023, Lester Holt traveled to Israel to cover the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.

November 8, 2023: Co-Moderated GOP Primary Debate

On November 8, 2023, Lester Holt co-moderated the third GOP Primary Debate alongside Hugh Hewitt and Kristen Welker, drawing 7.5 million viewers.

February 24, 2025: Departure from NBC Nightly News Announced

On February 24, 2025, the announcement was made that Lester Holt would be leaving NBC Nightly News in the summer of 2025 to become the full-time host of Dateline.