TV news watchers get ready for a change at the anchor desk! NBC just announced that Tom Llamas is set to become the new anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News. He is taking over from the well-respected Lester Holt who is making a move himself. This is a significant shift in the world of broadcast news so let's break down what is happening.
Tom Llamas Rises to the Top: From Streaming Star to Network News Anchor at NBC
For those who follow the news closely you might already know Tom Llamas. He is been a senior national correspondent for NBC News and importantly the anchor of "Top Story with Tom Llamas" on NBC News NOW. That's NBC's streaming news service and Llamas has been key in making it a success. In fact he will continue to anchor "Top Story" even after taking over Nightly News showing just how much NBC values his presence on both platforms.
NBC News exec Janelle Rodriguez praised Llamas for his "journalistic excellence passionate storytelling and unyielding integrity". She noted he is perfect for carrying on the tradition of "NBC Nightly News". She also highlighted how he helped grow NBC News NOW and connect with a new audience. Llamas himself called anchoring "Nightly News" a "profound honor" and promised to be "devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth." That's exactly what you want to hear from your nightly news anchor right?
Lester Holt's Next Chapter: Moving to Dateline Full-Time After Decade at Nightly News Helm
So where is Lester Holt going? Don't worry he is not leaving NBC. After a decade as anchor and managing editor of "Nightly News" Holt decided it was time for a change. He announced last month he would step down this summer. But he is not slowing down. Holt will be focusing full-time on Dateline NBC's long-running newsmagazine where he has already been a principal anchor for about 15 years.
Holt has been with NBC for a long time and has anchored Nightly News through some major events. He called his time at the network "an amazing ride." He mentioned he is proud to have anchored both "Nightly News" and "Dateline" calling them "iconic television news programs." He told the Nightly News staff that Llamas is inheriting a "great job" and a "great staff" urging them to support him during the transition. It seems like a very amicable and planned change.
Making History: Llamas Becomes First Latino Journalist to Anchor Weeknight NBC Nightly News
This is also a historic moment. Tom Llamas will be the first Latino journalist to anchor the weeknight edition of "Nightly News." This is a big step for representation in network news. Jose Diaz-Balart already anchors the Saturday editions of "Nightly News" for MSNBC showing NBC's commitment to diverse voices. While evening news viewership may not be what it was in Walter Cronkite's era these broadcasts still reach over 10 million viewers each night on ABC CBS and NBC combined. The anchors are still seen as the face of their news divisions and Llamas taking this role is significant.
Llamas' Journey: From Telemundo Intern to Top Story to Network Anchor Throne
Tom Llamas' rise to this position is a classic journalism success story. He started his career as an intern at a local Telemundo station. His first job at NBC News was as an overnight production assistant. He then became a campaign embed getting experience on the ground. He worked his way up as a local journalist at WTVJ and WNBC before becoming ABC's chief national affairs correspondent and anchoring weekend "World News Tonight". He rejoined NBC News in 2021 and quickly became a senior national correspondent and anchor of "Top Story." He is also been a regular fill-in anchor for "Nightly News" and a reporter for the "TODAY" show.
Llamas has covered major breaking news events from the Israel-Hamas war and the war in Ukraine to natural disasters and the Olympics. He has interviewed many important figures including presidents like Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His range of experience and his dedication to journalism have clearly paved the way for this major step in his career.
Anchor Shuffle Across Networks: Holt and Llamas in Context of Wider TV News Changes
Lester Holt's move and Tom Llamas's promotion are happening in a time of broader shifts in the TV news landscape. People magazine noted that Holt is just one of several anchors across different networks who have recently announced exits or changes. MSNBC for example recently canceled Joy Reid's show and made other lineup changes. CNN saw Jim Acosta leave and Fox News saw Neil Cavuto step away. Andrea Mitchell also recently ended her long-running MSNBC show.
There is always some level of anchor movement but this period seems particularly active. Some reports suggest networks are trying to adjust to changing viewership habits and boost ratings perhaps by trying out new faces and formats. Llamas taking over Nightly News is definitely a key part of this ongoing evolution in how people get their evening news.
Key Facts About Tom Llamas's Career Path to NBC Nightly News Anchor:
- New Role: Anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News.
- Replacing: Lester Holt who is moving to focus on Dateline.
- Current Role: Continues to anchor "Top Story with Tom Llamas" on NBC News NOW.
- Historic Appointment: First Latino journalist to anchor weeknight NBC Nightly News.
- Experience: Senior National Correspondent for NBC News, former ABC News Chief National Affairs Correspondent and weekend anchor.
- Coverage: Led coverage of major global events including wars Olympics and natural disasters.
- Interviews: Interviewed numerous world leaders and political figures.
- Career Start: Began as an intern at Telemundo and production assistant at NBC News.
Get Ready for Tom Llamas: A New Era for NBC Nightly News Begins
So there you have it. Tom Llamas is the new anchor of NBC Nightly News. He is a seasoned journalist with a strong track record and he is stepping into big shoes taking over from Lester Holt. This change reflects both individual career moves and larger shifts happening in the TV news industry. It will be interesting to see how Llamas shapes "Nightly News" going forward and how he continues to connect with viewers in this evolving media landscape. Stay tuned!