In a heartfelt interview, Stefan Holt, son of Lester Holt, expressed immense pride in his father’s ascension to the permanent anchor position of NBC Nightly News. Speaking on CNN’s Reliable Sources on June 21, 2015, Stefan shared that his father takes the role “extremely seriously” and is ready to embrace the opportunity to shine, despite the challenging circumstances surrounding his predecessor Brian Williams’ suspension. Lester Holt’s appointment marks a historic milestone as the first solo Black anchor of a major broadcast network’s flagship evening newscast, a moment that carries deep significance for the Holt family and the journalism community.

Stefan, a morning anchor for NBC’s Chicago affiliate, acknowledged the unusual context of his father’s promotion. “Let’s face this: I don’t think anyone would have wanted to get a job under these circumstances,” he said, referencing the controversy that arose after Williams was suspended for exaggerating stories, with Lester stepping in as interim anchor four months prior. “A lot of eyeballs were on this, and a lot of questions were surrounding this as well,” Stefan added. Yet, he emphasized that this moment represents a golden opportunity for his father to showcase his talent and leadership in the anchor chair. Lester was officially named the permanent anchor on Thursday, June 18, 2015, and NBC is seizing the chance to reintroduce him as the new face of Nightly News starting Monday.

The historic nature of Lester Holt’s appointment is not lost on the family. Stefan, 28, noted, “Looking back at history, this is a big moment.” As the first solo Black anchor of a network evening news program, Lester’s role is a landmark for representation in journalism. However, Stefan was quick to stress that race does not solely define their careers. “As a news division, you are not defined by one anchor or one reporter,” he said. He praised NBC News for its diverse team, expressing pride in being part of that inclusivity alongside his father. “I’m glad my dad’s a part of that diversity; I’m glad to be a part of that, and that we can bring that to homes and families all across the country,” Stefan shared, highlighting the broader impact of their work.

The announcement of Lester’s promotion came while the Holt family was on vacation, a rare moment of downtime for the busy journalists. Stefan revealed they had tried to avoid work talk during the trip, but the exciting news reached them regardless. “We were trying really hard not to talk about work and not about the things that were going on back at home,” he said, “but news like that travels to you while you are on vacation.” The family, including Lester’s other son, Cameron, celebrated the milestone together, even from afar.

Lester Holt’s return to Nightly News on Monday marks a fresh chapter for the program, with NBC promoting him as the definitive face of the broadcast. The veteran journalist, who officially signed off from Weekend Today—a morning show he co-hosted since 2003—on Sunday, June 21, brings a wealth of experience and a steady hand to the role. Stefan, who shares his father’s passions for journalism, aviation, and music (both play the bass), spoke warmly of watching his father’s career evolve. “It’s just been a real joy, as a son, to watch his career go in this exciting new direction,” he said, reflecting on the personal pride he feels.

As Lester Holt steps into this historic role, his son’s words underscore the anchor’s dedication and the family’s shared commitment to journalism. With a diverse NBC News team behind him and a supportive family cheering him on, Lester is poised to make his mark as a trailblazer in broadcast news, carrying forward a legacy of excellence and representation.