It’s official — Tom Llamas will be the newest anchor of NBC Nightly News this summer, replacing Lester Holt after a recent decision to step down.
The move marks the end of an era for longtime newscaster Holt and the beginning of a new chapter for Llamas. This is also an interesting time for local viewers, who might feel a sense of hometown pride as the Miami native takes over the massively popular news program.
As if that alone isn’t enough of an incredible feat, Llamas will be the youngest anchor at any network evening news broadcast, as well as the first Latino to host the weeknight edition of Nightly News, per NBC.
Who is Tom Llamas?
Llamas, 45, is no stranger to broadcasting, as the Emmy-winning journalist is known for hosting Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW. He’s also previously filled in for Holt on Nightly News. He got his start as an intern for Telemundo, with other career highlights including serving as weekend anchor for ABC World News Tonight alongside stints at MSNBC, WTVJ and WNBC.
Born and raised in Miami after his parents immigrated from Cuba, he went to Belen Jesuit Preparatory School before moving to New Orleans to attend Loyola University. There, he earned a degree in broadcast journalism in ’01 and met his wife, a fellow journalist named Jennifer. Additionally, he attended the University of Miami’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies.
Why is Lester Holt leaving NBC Nightly News?
After a decade-long run in the role, Holt announced his departure from NBC Nightly News back in February. He plans to continue as an anchor on the news segment through early summer, but rest assured, he won’t be leaving the network altogether. He’ll focus on becoming full-time host of NBC’s Dateline.
“It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do,” he wrote in a note thanking his colleagues. “A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history.”
When can I watch Llamas on Nightly News?
While no exact date has been announced by NBC, Holt said his final day will be sometime in the summer. You can expect to see Llamas take on his new role in the coming months in addition to hosting Top Story. That’s right, he won’t be letting go of his streaming newscast as he officially takes over for Holt as full-time anchor.
“Anchoring NBC Nightly News is a profound honor and one that carries tremendous responsibility,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the world-class journalists at Nightly News and Top Story to bring viewers the most important stories every night.”
You can catch Nightly News seven days a week on most NBC stations, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.