HOUSTON – Lester Holt has been a valued member of the NBC family for 15 years. Having worn many hats throughout his storied career, Holt is now taking on his biggest role yet as the permanent anchor of "NBC Nightly News."
The change has already been reflected on the broadcast's Facebook page.
"It's a great group of people who've kept their heads down through some tough times and continue to crank out an excellent broadcast. I'm just happy to be the new steward of it," Holt said.
Holt's appointment to the big chair makes him the first African-American solo anchor of a weekday nightly newscast.
"It's great, because one of us is on front of the camera, not just there because he's a token, but he got there on merit and that is significant in that respect," said Dr. Christian Ulasi, director of the Radio Television Film Department at Texas Southern University.
Ulasi said Holt's presence will no doubt inspire the next generation of young journalists.
Holt has a message for all aspiring broadcast journalists who hope to one day follow in his footsteps.
"I always say when I look at my career, the most interesting, rewarding, fulfilling moments have not been sitting on the sofa or the set, they are out there. That's where the stories are," Holt said.