David Bridges
Tom Llamas, despite having no formal training in juggling, is about to take on a challenging new role at NBC News that will involve skillfully managing multiple responsibilities, akin to keeping large plates spinning in the air. His new role as the anchor for “NBC Nightly News” signifies a major transition, not only for him but also for the viewers who rely on this flagship news program for timely information. The challenge lies in making this transition seamless for the audience, as change in such a prominent show is often significant and can be disruptive. Llamas will also continue to fulfill his responsibilities as the host of “Top Story,” a one-hour streaming program on NBC News Now, which begins immediately after “Nightly” ends from Monday to Friday.
As Llamas prepares to step into the “NBC Nightly News” anchor role formerly held by Lester Holt, he acknowledges the curiosity surrounding the feasibility of managing these two demanding positions simultaneously. “It’s amusing; many of the questions I’ve fielded since NBC News announced my new position have centered around the question, ‘How are you going to manage this?’” Llamas shared during a recent interview with Variety. He uses this opportunity to remind audiences that “Today” is a four-hour live broadcast every single day, underscoring his capability to handle lengthy, high-pressure news environments effectively.
For Llamas, the pivotal aspect of his new role is to genuinely connect with viewers, reinforcing that he is their representative in a media landscape where the delivery of news has become increasingly intricate. “I want audiences to always remember that we are here working for them. Although I am employed by NBC, my ultimate responsibility is to the viewer,” he emphasizes. “It’s crucial that this sentiment comes through, as trust is the foundation of a successful relationship between news anchors and their audience.” By establishing this connection, he aims to foster a sense of reliability and security among viewers.
NBC News executives believe that appointing Llamas as the anchor of “Nightly” addresses a significant viewer demand for authentic and relatable journalism. Prior to joining NBC, Llamas served as the weekend anchor for ABC News’ “World News Tonight,” which is renowned as the most-watched evening news program in the United States. His experience positioned him as a leading contender to succeed the current anchor, David Muir. However, Muir, who is only 51 years old, appears to have a stable hold on his position, making it unlikely for him to leave the anchor chair anytime soon.
Llamas now has the chance to anchor the evening news, and there are reasons for optimism within NBC. A recent overhaul of “CBS Evening News,” which introduced a dual-anchor format and shifted focus toward business and feature reporting, has not garnered favorable reviews from audiences. Nielsen ratings indicate that both “Nightly” and “World News Tonight” have successfully captured viewer share amid this shift. Additionally, a performance by Llamas on March 7, when he filled in for Holt on “Nightly,” attracted a larger audience among the coveted demographic of viewers aged 25 to 54—an essential group for advertisers—compared to Muir. Historically, Muir has outperformed Llamas in this demographic by 21% in head-to-head comparisons, according to Nielsen data.
ABC News is evidently aware of Llamas’ new role on “Nightly.” In anticipation of his new position, the Disney-owned news division recently made David Muir available for a profile in “People,” showcasing their acknowledgment of the competitive landscape. “I have a great deal of admiration and respect for David, and I look forward to going head-to-head with him every evening,” Llamas remarked. “I’m confident he feels the same way.” This friendly rivalry is likely to invigorate the evening news landscape.
Viewers of “Nightly” can expect continuity in the program’s format, a decision that reflects a commitment to honoring the established audience. Janelle Rodriguez, executive vice president of programming for NBC News, stated in an interview, “We approached this transition with immense respect for our viewers. Many of them have grown up watching ‘Nightly’ with iconic anchors like Tom Brokaw and Brian Williams.” She added that there exists a visceral and emotional connection to the broadcast, which they aim to preserve while still moving forward.
Nonetheless, there will be new segments introduced to engage broader audiences. One of the initial efforts will involve NBC News correspondents examining the insurance industry, a topic that resonates with many Americans regardless of their socioeconomic background. “We’re going to take a very close and critical look at the insurance sector,” Llamas stated. “People across this country, from various walks of life, are encountering challenges related to denied coverage.” In an upcoming report, NBC News will feature a man with liver cancer who was initially denied coverage for an experimental treatment but ultimately received it after the circumstances were brought to light. “Having a background in local news, I’m committed to ensuring we don’t become complacent,” Llamas expressed passionately.
NBC’s “Nightly” will also ramp up its coverage in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, which will include features on significant locations and influential individuals throughout American history. “Whether you identify as Republican, Democrat, or Independent,” Llamas noted, the stories will focus on subjects that naturally pique viewers’ interest and foster a sense of national pride.
Llamas is the fourth individual to take on the anchor role for “Nightly” in the past 40 years, and he has sought guidance from many of his predecessors to navigate this new chapter. Reflecting on his journey, he recalled his humble beginnings at age 15, working as an overnight production assistant at WSCV, a Telemundo station in Miami. “I did whatever was needed,” Llamas reminisced. “From fetching coffee to answering phones, operating the teleprompter, covering crime scenes, and interviewing local officials, I did it all.” He relied on his mother for transportation until he obtained his driver’s license, underscoring the determination that has propelled him to this significant position.
Now, as he prepares to take the helm at a time fraught with challenges for the television news industry, Llamas faces the reality that traditional news audiences have splintered across numerous platforms, creating new economic pressures and political scrutiny for media organizations. This complex landscape requires innovative approaches to news delivery and viewer engagement.
These dynamics significantly influence the decision to allow Llamas to continue his streaming responsibilities. “I believe that the way to thrive is to have a presence everywhere,” Llamas stated. NBC aims to drive viewers from “Top Story” to “Nightly” and vice versa, as Rodriguez explained. “We view this as an opportunity” to bridge generational divides among viewers and create a vibrant interaction between the two shows, enhancing overall audience engagement.
Regarding the political landscape, Llamas maintains that such matters are beyond his control. His primary focus remains on delivering the news effectively. “You have to concentrate on the facts and stay focused on your role, always remembering that it’s never about you,” he advised. “It’s not about you.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of objectivity and commitment to journalism.
Part of Llamas’ mission is to ensure that “Nightly” remains relevant for future generations, especially as viewers are inundated with information from various digital and social media platforms. “There’s an overwhelming flood of news out there, and while it scatters audiences across multiple platforms, it simultaneously creates a greater demand for well-curated, thoughtfully produced journalism that respects the viewer’s time,” Rodriguez explained. She concluded that such programming “will only become more essential as time progresses,” highlighting the ongoing need for quality journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The pressure of these responsibilities weighs heavily on Llamas as he embarks on this new journey, but he seems ready to embrace the challenge. “I’ll need to ensure my energy levels peak at 6:30 PM. I might need a little Cuban coffee at 6:29!” he joked, adding, “After that, it’s full speed ahead!” His enthusiasm for the role is evident, and he is eager to connect with viewers in a meaningful way.
Clara Hastings
Cameron Steel
