Lester Holt Honored with Career-Defining Award
NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt has been named the recipient of the 2025 Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award, one of journalism’s most respected honors. The announcement, made during a surprise segment on NBC, left colleagues emotional and Holt momentarily speechless.
The award recognizes Holt’s outstanding contributions to broadcast journalism over more than four decades, including his steadfast commitment to truth, his empathetic storytelling, and his role as a trusted figure in American news.
A Career Rooted in Integrity
Lester Holt began his career in journalism in the late 1970s, working his way up from radio reporting to local television, eventually becoming a household name on national broadcasts. What sets him apart, according to the award committee, is not only his on-air presence but the quiet leadership he has consistently demonstrated behind the scenes.
“Lester Holt represents the very best of what journalism should be,” the committee stated. “He is a calm, credible voice in times of chaos, a respectful interviewer, and an unwavering advocate for facts and fairness.”
Moments That Defined a Legacy
From the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the streets of Ferguson and the war zones of the Middle East, Holt has reported from some of the most volatile and heartbreaking environments imaginable. Yet his tone has always been one of compassion, not sensationalism.
In 2020, Holt was widely praised for his measured coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering updates with clarity and restraint during a time of fear and confusion. His nightly broadcasts became a source of comfort to millions of Americans.
Another career milestone came in 2016, when Holt became the first African-American solo anchor of a weekday nightly newscast on a major U.S. network. His presence marked a turning point in representation and inspired a new generation of journalists of color.
The Award Night: Unscripted Emotion
The award was presented during the annual National Press Honors Gala in New York City. Holt, unaware that he was this year’s honoree, was lured to the event under the pretense of presenting an award to a colleague.
As the lights dimmed and a montage of his work began to roll, Holt appeared visibly moved. The video tribute featured past reports, behind-the-scenes footage, and testimonials from fellow journalists, political leaders, and ordinary viewers who had been impacted by his stories.
When his name was called, the room rose in a standing ovation that lasted nearly two full minutes. Holt stood quietly before approaching the stage, holding back tears as he accepted the trophy.
“I didn’t get into this job to be noticed,” Holt said in his speech. “I got into it because I believed — and still believe — that the truth matters. Thank you for letting me tell the truth all these years.”
Tributes from Across the Media Landscape
Reactions to the award have poured in from all corners of the media world. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper praised Holt’s “unshakable moral compass.” MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow called him “the North Star of our industry.” Even Fox News’ Bret Baier joined in the celebration, tweeting that Holt was “a true class act.”
Journalism students across the country posted tributes online, citing Holt as their greatest role model. Several journalism schools, including Columbia and Northwestern, announced special seminars this fall dedicated to analyzing Holt’s work and ethical approach to reporting.
Behind the Camera: A Mentor and Friend
Colleagues have often said that Holt’s leadership off-camera is as admirable as his professionalism on-air. Known for arriving early, listening more than he speaks, and treating every crew member with dignity, Holt has mentored dozens of rising journalists.
NBC producer Carla Ramirez shared, “Lester was the first person to pull me aside and say, ‘Your voice matters.’ He doesn’t just teach you how to do the job — he teaches you why it matters.”
His humility has long been his trademark. Despite his status, Holt still does his own fact-checking, insists on writing much of his own copy, and is known to personally check in on staff during long shoots or breaking news coverage.
What Comes Next for Holt?
Though many speculated this award might signal retirement, Holt was quick to dispel the idea. “I’ve still got stories to tell,” he said backstage with a grin. “As long as people are willing to listen, I’ll keep showing up.”
NBC executives confirmed that Holt has recently signed a multi-year extension, keeping him at the helm of NBC Nightly News through at least 2028. He is also expected to take a larger role in long-form investigative documentaries, including an upcoming piece on misinformation in the digital age.
A Voice America Still Trusts
In an era of declining trust in media, Holt has remained an anomaly — a journalist consistently ranked among the most trusted figures in the country. According to a 2024 Pew Research study, nearly 70% of Americans said they would turn to Lester Holt in a national crisis.
His closing line each night — “Take care of yourself, and each other” — has become a quiet mantra for viewers across political lines.
For Lester Holt, this award may represent the pinnacle of a remarkable career — but to his audience, it’s simply confirmation of what they already knew: that integrity, kindness, and truth still have a place in journalism.
And as the standing ovation echoed through the ballroom that night, it was clear that America’s most trusted anchor isn’t done writing his story yet.
