ECNETNews, February 24, 2025: Esteemed Caribbean roots journalist Lester Holt has announced he will step down as the anchor and managing editor of a major national news broadcast at the start of summer 2025. Holt has held this position for the last decade, marking a significant chapter in his illustrious career.
While leaving his anchor role, Holt will continue to serve as the full-time principal anchor for a renowned news magazine program, where he has led for nearly 15 years. The network has yet to disclose his successor.
Since taking over as anchor in June 2015, Holt has previously helmed the weekend editions of the program and co-anchored the weekend news for 12 years. His leadership in another major program began in September 2011.
“It brings a smile to my face to think that I have anchored two of the most iconic television news programs in history,” Holt shared in a message to colleagues. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter in San Francisco, I never imagined my career would evolve this way. What an incredible journey it has been.”
Throughout the last decade, Holt has reported on many pivotal events, including the political ascent of Donald Trump, the COVID-19 pandemic, international conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing war in Gaza. He also co-anchored major election night coverage and traveled to Iran for an exclusive interview with President Masoud Pezeshkian. Recently, Holt was at the forefront of a special report on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
His interviews with influential leaders, including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have made headlines across the nation. Holt has also reported extensively on natural disasters, mass shootings, and significant global events.
Holt’s Caribbean heritage is rich, tracing back to his maternal grandmother from Jamaica, who was rooted in the vibrant culture of the island. His early exposure to broadcasting came from his brother, a disc jockey, which set him on a path to becoming one of the most respected news anchors of his generation.
