Lester Holt is set to leave his role as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, signaling a significant shift in the mainstream broadcast landscape.

Holt will transition to a full-time role at Dateline this summer, concluding a decade-long tenure at the helm of NBC's flagship evening program, as Fox News reports.

On Monday, Holt revealed his plans to step down from NBC Nightly News, a position he assumed in 2015 when he succeeded Brian Williams.

His departure marks the end of a pivotal era for the news program, where Holt's presence has been synonymous with dependable reporting and thoughtful leadership.

A Decade of News Coverage

Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News executive vice president, informed colleagues of Holt's decision, underscoring his impactful tenure.

Holt's leadership has been vital especially during critical periods such as the initial phase of the pandemic. His nightly sign-off, urging viewers to care for one another, became a comforting ritual for many during those challenging times.

The longtime anchor, who began his journey with NBC News in 2000, brings four decades of journalistic expertise to Dateline. His role there is not new, as he has been the principal anchor since September 2011. By shifting his focus entirely to Dateline, Holt aims to contribute further to what he describes as a "rapidly-expanding powerhouse."

Iconic Moments and Leadership Recalled

Throughout his career, Holt's interviews have often made headlines. Notably, his 2021 interview with Vice President Kamala Harris tackled pressing issues regarding the U.S. southern border.

His role as a journalist extends beyond headlines, as he has often emphasized that journalistic responsibility involves prioritizing truth over a false equivalence of sides.

"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," Holt remarked.

Reflecting on his career's evolution from a "20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat" in San Francisco to anchoring national news, Holt acknowledged the unlikely trajectory his professional life has taken.

Criticism and Fame Mark Tenure

Holt has not shied away from addressing the challenges facing modern journalism. At a 2021 journalism award ceremony, he remarked that "fairness is overrated," advocating instead for fairness to truth rather than equal time for unsupported viewpoints.

His emphasis on responsible reporting underscores his commitment to informed and accurate journalism, a principle he will likely carry into his enhanced role at "Dateline."

As Holt prepares for this transition, NBC has yet to announce his successor at NBC Nightly News. The anticipation around who will fill his shoes reflects the significant role he has played in shaping the program's voice and reach over the past ten years.

Changes at NBC News Afoot

Holt's announcement is part of broader organizational shifts within NBC News and MSNBC. These include the departures of notable figures such as Hoda Kotb, Chuck Todd, Andrea Mitchell, and the cancellation of Joy Reid's program. Such changes represent a period of transformation for NBC, potentially signaling new directions in content and leadership across its platforms.

Rodriguez praised Holt's contributions, stating that his "steady and thoughtful leadership" has kept Nightly News a top destination for news. Her remarks highlight the legacy Holt leaves behind, having navigated some of the most challenging times in recent history, and reinforcing his status as an essential part of NBC's identity.

Forward-Looking Legacy for Holt

Lester Holt's decision to devote himself entirely to Dateline marks a new chapter for both him and NBC. His storied career, marked by dedication to transparent and honest journalism, sets a high bar for whoever inherits his role.

As viewers transition along with him, the impact of his decade-long presence on NBC Nightly News echoes in the collective memories of the audience he has addressed.