Tom Llamas makes debut as new NBC Nightly News anchor
(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Tom Llamas is making his debut as the new NBC Nightly News anchor Monday night.
Taking over as anchor from Lester Holt, Llamas brings his wealth of experience and passion for journalism to this prestigious role.
Llamas shares the tenets he lives by and how he plans to take Nightly News on the road to listen and share our stories.
"I live by two tenets, and I think this is true of all of NBC News. You want to be tough but fair, and you want to report the news without fear or favor, and that's what I'm going to do. I think you have to go to those stories and leave the anchor desk, which I'm going to do a lot, because I believe in sort of shining a light and bearing witness. Because I think when there's a story or an event that causes the whole nation to pause and to look at a city or a town in America, because something has happened there, I want our viewers to know that I'm going to be there as well. Because I think the greats in our business, they could talk on television, but what truly made them great is that they were great listeners. And I think you have to go down there and hear people's stories, because in America, people have a lot to say, and they want to be heard."
Tom Llamas, new NBC Nightly News anchor
Llamas also shared how, for him, being the new Nightly News anchor is the American Dream.
"My parents left communist Cuba in the late 50s and early 60s. They came here with little to no money. They didn't know the language, and this incredible country gave them a second chance. So my parents taught me to always work hard, but to also love this country, and I do. I think it's the greatest place in the world. It's a testament to the American Dream is still alive. I started working in newsrooms when I was 15 years old. I started working at NBC overnights, making very little money. I've worked every single job in this in this business, at NBC, and now to be anchoring Nightly News, it truly is the dream of a lifetime."
Tom Llamas, new NBC Nightly News anchor
Llamas takes the helm as anchor of NBC Nightly News Monday night. Be sure to tune in weeknights at 5:30 p.m. Arizona time on Channel 11.
