The television news industry is undergoing a major shakeup in 2025, with several prominent anchors stepping away from their roles.
Networks like NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News are seeing major departures. These include NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, who recently announced his exit after a decade behind the desk.
Holt, who has been with NBC News since 2000, became the full-time anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2015 after the departure of Brian Williams. Over the years, he has covered major global events, presidential elections, and high-profile interviews, cementing his status as one of the most visible figures in American journalism.
As networks adapt to evolving audience habits, industry changes, and the growing influence of digital media, many are rethinking their news lineups.
Here’s a list of all the major anchors leaving in 2025.
Full List of TV News Anchors Leaving in 2025
Lester Holt—NBC Nightly News
Lester Holt, who has anchored NBC Nightly News since 2015, is stepping down. His departure was officially announced on February 24, with Holt set to remain with NBC as the main anchor of Dateline, a show he has worked on for nearly 15 years. NBC has not yet announced his replacement.
Hoda Kotb—NBC’s Today Show
Hoda Kotb officially left the Today Show on January 10 after 17 years on air. She was replaced by Craig Melvin as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Her departure has been felt among her former colleagues, with Guthrie recently commenting on-air that she missed having “some lady energy” during segments that have been more male-dominated since Kotb’s exit.
Norah O’Donnell—CBS Evening News
Norah O’Donnell has also stepped away from CBS Evening News. She confirmed her departure in early February, stating that she would be transitioning into a new role at CBS.
“After this year’s election, I’ve decided I will be leaving my role as anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News to take on a new position at the network,” O’Donnell said.
O’Donnell added that after 12 years in the anchor chair, “it’s time to do something different.”
CBS has not announced a successor yet.
Andrea Mitchell—MSNBC
Longtime MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell announced in December 2024 that she would be stepping away from her daily show. Mitchell, who has been a central figure at NBC News since the 1970s, will remain with the network as a senior political correspondent.
Jim Acosta—CNN
Jim Acosta, who has been with CNN for nearly 20 years, had his last show on the network on January 28. Acosta reportedly turned down an offer to host a new late-night show at CNN, instead choosing to leave.
Acosta had been a high-profile presence at CNN, known for his direct confrontations with former President Donald Trump, during which he famously had his White House press pass revoked.
Chuck Todd—NBC News
Chuck Todd, former moderator of Meet the Press and NBC News chief White House correspondent, announced in January he would be leaving the network after nearly two decades.
Todd stepped down from Meet the Press in 2023 but remained with NBC in a senior role. Now, he is moving on to explore other opportunities outside the network.
Todd’s exit marks a significant shift for NBC’s political coverage, as he has been a key figure in the network’s White House reporting.
Ayman Mohyeldin—MSNBC
Ayman Mohyeldin’s weekend show on MSNBC was canceled in February, marking another shake-up at the network. Mohyeldin has not announced his next career move.
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