Tom Llamas is set to succeed Lester Holt as the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” this summer, as announced by the network on Wednesday. Llamas, a seasoned journalist, currently serves as a senior national correspondent and anchors “Top Story with Tom Llamas,” which is an evening newscast streaming on NBC News NOW. In a message to staff, NBC News executive vice president of programming Janelle Rodriguez praised Llamas for his journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unyielding integrity, qualities that have long defined “NBC Nightly News.”
Expressing his profound honor and acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with anchoring a prestigious program like “Nightly News,” Llamas eagerly anticipates collaborating with the talented journalists at “Nightly News” and “Top Story” to deliver the most important stories to viewers each night. His appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Latino journalist to host the weeknight edition of “Nightly News,” following in the footsteps of José Díaz-Balart, who anchors Saturday editions of the program.
The transition comes as Lester Holt, who has helmed “Nightly News” for a decade, announced his intention to step down this summer. Holt, a respected figure in broadcasting, will continue to contribute to the network with a full-time role at “Dateline,” where he has served as the principal anchor for nearly 15 years. Llamas expressed admiration for Holt, pledging to uphold the legacy of trust and dedication to viewers that Holt epitomized during his tenure at “Nightly News.”
Reflecting on his journey in journalism, Llamas began his career as an intern at a local Telemundo station before joining NBC News as an overnight production assistant and campaign embed. Over the years, he transitioned to roles as a local journalist at WTVJ and WNBC, eventually becoming ABC’s chief national affairs correspondent and anchoring weekend editions of “World News Tonight.” Returning to NBC News in 2021, Llamas quickly established himself as a senior national correspondent and the anchor of “Top Story,” demonstrating his versatility as a fill-in anchor on “Nightly News” and a frequent contributor to the “TODAY” show.
Throughout his career, Llamas has covered a wide range of major news events, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, and the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. He has conducted interviews with prominent world leaders and political figures, showcasing his ability to navigate complex stories with insight and empathy. As Llamas prepares to assume his new role this summer, his experience and dedication to journalistic integrity position him as a fitting successor to Holt at the helm of “NBC Nightly News.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com and highlights the significance of Tom Llamas’s appointment as the new anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News.” As Llamas embarks on this next chapter of his career, viewers can expect a seamless transition and a continued commitment to delivering the news with clarity, integrity, and professionalism.