ike most broadcasters, Lester Holt is pretty sure he uttered the profession’s familiar refrain at some early point in his career.
“When I was younger, I’m sure I said I want to be Walter Cronkite or (former NBC anchor) John Chancellor,” says the 56-year-old newsman, suddenly thrust into the spotlight as the chief anchor of NBC Nightly News after his predecessor Brian Williams was demoted last week for fibbing about his work. “But in more recent years, it’s not something I’ve really aspired to. Frankly, there were only three of those jobs.”
In a phone interview with USA TODAY, Holt predicted the news program likely won’t change much. Despite the decline of the evening network news, it still draws about 8 million viewers a night and is locked in a dogfight with ABC’s World News Tonight for the top spot.
“I’m keenly aware that we have a loyal audience for nightly news. I’m inheriting a successful broadcast,” he said. “I wouldn’t look to tune in for a major overhaul.”
For the complete story, visit USAToday.com/Money.
