A Trusted Voice Recognized Once Again
Lester Holt, the long-revered face of NBC Nightly News and one of America’s most trusted broadcasters, has just received a nomination for one of journalism’s most esteemed honors: the 2025 Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.
The announcement came early Monday morning from the National Center for Communications and Public Trust, which revealed its shortlist of nominees for the annual award. Holt, now in his second decade anchoring NBC’s flagship nightly broadcast, was praised for his unwavering commitment to truth, clarity, and humanity in reporting.
“In an era when trust in news is fragile, Lester Holt continues to be a lighthouse,” the committee’s statement read. “His calm, fact-driven journalism and respectful interview style embody the very ideals this award seeks to celebrate.”
Celebrating a Career Built on Integrity
The nomination marks another milestone in Holt’s exceptional career, which spans more than four decades. From field reporting to anchoring high-stakes debates, from presidential interviews to nightly briefings during national crises, Holt has consistently delivered with grace and gravitas.
His work in 2024 stood out for its coverage of both domestic and global affairs, particularly his in-depth reporting on the humanitarian impacts of climate change and his widely praised town hall interviews on racial equity and economic recovery.
“Lester Holt doesn’t just report the news—he explains it, contextualizes it, and brings empathy into the room,” said fellow anchor and longtime colleague Savannah Guthrie.
Highlights from the Past Year
Among the notable coverage cited in Holt’s nomination:
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“After the Storm”, a multi-part series documenting recovery efforts in communities devastated by hurricanes in the Gulf Coast.
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A live moderated forum with first-time voters, praised for giving space to diverse voices without political bias.
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A special investigative segment on AI misinformation in political campaigns, which became one of NBC’s most shared digital reports of the year.
Behind the camera, Holt also played a mentorship role, spearheading NBC’s new “Voices Rising” initiative to develop underrepresented talent in journalism.
The Walter Cronkite Award: A Legacy of Excellence
Named after legendary newsman Walter Cronkite, the award is presented annually to a journalist whose work exemplifies fairness, accuracy, and impact. Past recipients include Christiane Amanpour, Gwen Ifill, and Anderson Cooper.
“To be mentioned in the same sentence as those journalists is surreal,” Holt said in a brief comment. “Walter Cronkite was one of my earliest influences. His integrity shaped how I approach every story.”
The 2025 ceremony will be held in Washington, D.C. this November. If Holt wins, he would become only the second person of color in history to receive the award—an achievement he says “would mean more than words.”
Respected by Peers, Loved by Audiences
Within hours of the announcement, tributes poured in from across the media industry. Colleagues from NBC, rival networks, and journalists around the world took to social media to share their admiration.
“Lester Holt is the definition of steady hands in uncertain times,” tweeted MSNBC host Joy Reid.
“The Cronkite nod is well deserved. The man walks the walk,” added CNN anchor Jake Tapper.
“Lester Holt taught me to lead with curiosity and compassion,” wrote Yamiche Alcindor, White House correspondent.
But it wasn’t just professionals celebrating. Viewers responded just as warmly.
“My mom trusts two people: her doctor and Lester Holt,” joked one user on X.
“The only person who can report a disaster and still make you feel hopeful,” said another.
“He’s been in our living room every night for years. This is OUR win,” a fan wrote in the comments section of NBC’s Instagram.
Holt’s Quiet Power
Part of Holt’s success lies in his ability to remain accessible while maintaining journalistic authority. Known for his calm demeanor and composed delivery, he has also shown vulnerability when necessary—shedding tears during a COVID-19 memorial or sharing personal stories when covering racial justice.
“He’s a real person doing real journalism,” said producer Marla Edwards, who has worked with Holt for over a decade. “He never makes himself the center, but he always shows up with humanity.”
Even off-camera, Holt’s commitment doesn’t waver. Staffers recall him offering to mentor interns, helping with script rewrites, and even stepping in for early morning segments when someone else is out sick.
What’s Next for the Nightly News Anchor
As Holt continues his tenure with NBC, sources say he has no immediate plans to retire. In fact, insiders hint that he is quietly developing a new series focused on solutions journalism—highlighting communities building progress, not just reacting to crisis.
“We have enough chaos. We need to show people who are fixing things,” Holt reportedly said in a recent pitch meeting.
Meanwhile, preparations for the November award ceremony are underway, with Holt expected to attend regardless of the outcome.
“Awards are an honor,” he said in a recent segment, “but the real reward is the trust people give me every night. That’s what I try to earn, story by story.”
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Beyond the headlines, Holt’s nomination sends a message to aspiring journalists everywhere: that integrity, consistency, and quiet excellence still matter.
In an industry increasingly driven by clicks and hot takes, Lester Holt is proof that a steady voice can still make the loudest impact.
And now, with this latest recognition, the man who has spent his life covering history may be stepping into history himself.
