In his first night as the permanent weekday anchor of NBC Nightly News, Lester Holt took time at the conclusion of Monday’s newscast to mention his new job by stating that he’s “honored” to be the “new anchor” and thanked “my friend and colleague Brian Williams for his kind words of support.”
With Holt’s name now added to the show’s title, opening graphics, recorded introduction, and profile pictures on the program’s Facebook and Twitter pages, Holt took a few moments to acknowledge that “as of tonight, this program has a new name, and I'm honored to say a new anchor.”
Speaking directly to viewers, Holt told them that “[y]our loyalty and viewership during a difficult time has been appreciated by all of us on this program” and “[w]e hope to see all of you each and every night.”
In addition, he specifically brought up the backing he’s received from scandal-ridden and recently-removed NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams: “I want to express my sincere thanks to my friend and colleague Brian Williams for his kind words of support.”
Holt had previously filled in for Williams both when he initially stepped aside from the newscast on February 7 as the questions surrounding him grew and became the interim weekday anchor of NBC Nightly News on February 10 when Williams was suspended without pay. On Thursday, it was officially announced that Williams would not be returning to the newscast and the “interim” title would be removed from Holt’s job description.
The relevant portion of the transcript from June 22's NBC Nightly News can be found below.
NBC Nightly News
June 22, 20157:28 p.m. Eastern
LESTER HOLT: Before we go, as of tonight, this program has a new name, and I'm honored to say a new anchor. Your loyalty and viewership during a difficult time has been appreciated by all of us on this program and I want to express my sincere thanks to my friend and colleague Brian Williams for his kind words of support. We hope to see all of you each and every night. That's going to do it for us on this Monday night. I'm Lester Holt. For all of us at NBC News, thank you for watching and good night.
