The Television News Industry in 2025: A Year of Major Shifts and Farewells
The Big Picture: A Changing Landscape in TV News
The television news industry is undergoing a significant transformation in 2025, marked by the departure of several high-profile anchors from major networks. This wave of exits has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, signaling a broader shift in how news is consumed and produced. Networks like NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News are seeing veteran journalists step away from their long-held roles, leaving behind a void that will undoubtedly reshape the future of television news. These departures come as the industry grapples with evolving audience habits, the rise of digital media, and a rapidly changing news consumption landscape.
Lester Holt: A Legendary Career at NBC Comes Full Circle
One of the most notable departures in 2025 is Lester Holt, the iconic anchor of NBC Nightly News. After a decade behind the desk, Holt announced his exit in February, marking the end of an era for NBC. Holt, who joined NBC News in 2000, became the full-time anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2015 following Brian Williams’ departure. Over the years, he has covered some of the most significant global events, presidential elections, and high-profile interviews, earning his place as one of the most trusted and recognizable figures in American journalism. While Holt is stepping down as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, he will remain with NBC as the main anchor of Dateline, a role he has held for nearly 15 years. His departure has left a gaping hole, and NBC has yet to announce his replacement.
Hoda Kotb: A Beloved Presence Leaves the Today Show
Another major departure is Hoda Kotb, who officially left The Today Show on January 10 after an impressive 17-year run. Kotb, known for her warmth and chemistry with her co-hosts, was replaced by Craig Melvin, who now co-anchors alongside Savannah Guthrie. Guthrie recently acknowledged the change on-air, expressing that she misses the "lady energy" Kotb brought to the show. Kotb’s exit has been deeply felt by both her colleagues and fans, who have grown accustomed to her vibrant presence and authentic storytelling.
Norah O’Donnell: A New Chapter at CBS
Norah O’Donnell, the anchor of CBS Evening News, has also announced her departure from the role. After 12 years in the anchor chair, O’Donnell shared that she will be transitioning into a new position at CBS, though the specifics of her next role have not been disclosed. Her decision to step down follows a storied career at CBS, where she has covered presidential elections, global crises, and countless breaking news events. O’Donnell’s departure marks a significant change for CBS Evening News, which has yet to announce her successor.
Andrea Mitchell and Jim Acosta: Legendary Careers Shift Gears
MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell and CNN’s Jim Acosta are two more household names leaving their long-held roles. Mitchell, a fixture at NBC News since the 1970s, announced in December 2024 that she would be stepping away from her daily show. While she will remain at the network as a senior political correspondent, her departure from the anchor desk signals a new chapter in her illustrious career. Similarly, Acosta, known for his tenacious reporting and high-profile confrontations with former President Donald Trump, left CNN in January after nearly 20 years. Acosta reportedly turned down an offer to host a new late-night show at CNN, opting instead to explore new opportunities outside the network.
Chuck Todd and Ayman Mohyeldin: A Shift in Political Coverage
The shakeup continues with the exits of Chuck Todd and Ayman Mohyeldin. Todd, the former moderator of Meet the Press and a key figure in NBC’s political coverage, announced his departure from the network in January after nearly two decades. His exit marks a significant shift for NBC’s White House reporting, as Todd has been instrumental in shaping the network’s political narrative. Mohyeldin, whose weekend show on MSNBC was canceled in February, has not yet revealed his next move. His departure adds to the growing list of changes at MSNBC, which is also navigating the aftermath of Mitchell’s reduced role.
The Future of Television News: Adapting to a New Era
The wave of departures in 2025 reflects a broader transformation in the television news industry. As audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for their news, networks are being forced to rethink their strategies and lineups. The departures of these veteran anchors not only signal the end of an era but also pave the way for a new generation of journalists to step into the spotlight. While it remains to be seen how networks will fill these roles, one thing is clear: the face of television news is changing, and 2025 is just the beginning of this evolutionary journey.
