Lester Holt Stepping Away From NBC Primetime
Lester Holt Stepping Away From NBC Primetime After Joy Reid’s Show Gets Axed
Source: Leon Bennett / Getty
Lester Holt Stepping Away From NBC Primetime After Joy Reid’s Show Gets Axed
On February 24, 2025, the television landscape saw another significant change when Lester Holt, the anchor of NBC Nightly News, announced he would be stepping down after nearly a decade of anchoring the evening newscast.
The news came on the same day that MSNBC’s president, Rebecca Kulter, revealed a major reshuffling at the network, including the cancelation of Joy Reid’s show, The ReidOut.
The departure of these long-time anchors raises questions about the changing dynamics at major news networks and the shifting priorities within the industry.
Source: The Washington Post / Getty
Lester Holt’s Exit from NBC Nightly News
Lester Holt’s announcement marked the end of an era for NBC Nightly News, which he has anchored since 2015.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Holt expressed immense pride in having led one of the most iconic news programs in history.
His departure, however, is not a complete exit from NBC; instead, Holt will transition to a full-time role at Dateline NBC, where he has been a longtime contributor since 2011.
In his memo to staff, Holt explained that after 17 years with NBC, it was simply time for a change.
He emphasized his continued commitment to the network, expressing excitement about expanding his role with Dateline and exploring new storytelling opportunities.
While Holt’s departure from Nightly News has left many wondering about his future, the anchor made it clear that this decision wasn’t driven by retirement.
Instead, it marks a strategic pivot to focus on new projects within NBC News.
The question remains: who will replace Holt as the anchor of NBC Nightly News? While no official replacement has been named, the network will likely be seeking someone who can continue Holt’s legacy of trustworthy, impactful reporting.
Source: The Washington Post / Getty
Joy Reid and MSNBC’s Programming Changes
The same day that Holt’s departure was announced, MSNBC made a major decision that shocked many: the cancellation of The ReidOut.
Joy Reid’s evening show had become a staple for the network since it first aired in 2020, attracting a loyal audience.
Reid herself addressed the news via social media, thanking her viewers and team for their support.
She appeared to be blindsided by the move but promised to continue supporting her colleagues in the industry.
The cancellation of Reid’s show is part of a broader reorganization at MSNBC following the appointment of Rebecca Kulter as the network’s new president.
Kulter, who took over earlier this year, is reportedly overhauling MSNBC’s programming lineup to better appeal to viewers and boost ratings.
As part of this reshuffling, Kulter has also canceled the shows of anchors Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, and Jonathan Capehart.
While the reasons behind the cancelations remain unclear, many observers believe that the changes are meant to refresh MSNBC’s lineup and make it more competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Source: Arturo Holmes / Getty
A Changing Landscape at MSNBC and Beyond
MSNBC’s recent shakeups come at a time when many other networks are also experiencing significant departures.
Notably, Andrea Mitchell, a veteran NBC anchor, recently announced that her daily program Andrea Mitchell Reports would end after 17 years.
Mitchell, however, will remain with the network in her role as NBC News’ chief Washington correspondent.
In addition, CNN has seen its own reshuffling, with the high-profile departure of Jim Acosta in January. Acosta, who had been with CNN for nearly two decades, announced he would be leaving the network after clashes over his new time slot.
Meanwhile, Fox News’ Neil Cavuto announced in December that he would step away from his long-running show Your World after 28 years, signaling another major shift within the cable news landscape.
Lester Holt Stepping Away From NBC Primetime After Joy Reid’s Show Gets Axed was originally published on ronetlcnaptown.staging.go.ione.nyc