Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Tom Llamas' Bold Takeover: NBC News in a Churn

The new face of NBC News, Tom Llamas, has brought 'a much more hands-on and hard-charging' approach to the program than that of his predecessor Lester Holt, three people 'familiar with the' leadership shift told Breaker this week

The New Kid on the Block: Tom Llamas Brings High-Pressure Approach to NBC News

In a shocking departure from his predecessor's laid-back style, Tom Llamas has taken the reins at NBC News and brought with him an aggressive management approach that's left some staff members reeling. The 46-year-old news anchor, who took over after Lester Holt's ten-year tenure came to an end last spring, has been described by insiders as "extremely challenging" to work under.

Llamas' no-nonsense style is a far cry from the low-key and unassuming approach of his predecessor, who was well-liked by viewers for his easy-going demeanor. But it seems Holt's decision to leave Dateline in May to pursue more hands-on storytelling opportunities may have been a blessing in disguise for Llamas, as he now has the chance to make a name for himself at NBC News.

The style from Tom Llamas is reportedly upsetting staffers used to a more laid-back approach from Holt. Llamas, in contrast, is more aggressive

Insiders close to the matter tell The Scholarly Note that Llamas' management style is all about pushing staff members to their limits. "He challenges people to do their best, to think more deeply about the editorial process," says one staffer. "It helps us raise our game, but the expectations are high – and they should be." But while some see this as a motivating force, others have expressed concerns about Llamas' intense approach.

"He's got an infectious energy, I'll give him that," admits a producer who wishes to remain anonymous. "But he raises the bar for everyone – sometimes too high, if you ask me."

Rumors are swirling around Meghan Rafferty, Llamas' executive producer, who recently announced her departure from NBC News to join MSNBC's parent company Versant. Insiders claim that Rafferty was eager to escape the daily grind of producing a show under Llamas' demanding leadership style.

Previously, before joining NBC News in 2021, he worked under ABC News' David Muir as a weekend host on World News Tonight, which is growing its lead over the Peacock Network's primetime entry

"Lester Holt was a beloved fixture in American households for over a decade," notes one industry expert. "He may have been low-key and unassuming, but he knew how to get the job done. Llamas has got his work cut out for him if he wants to catch up with ABC World News Tonight's David Muir, who recently scored his biggest ratings win in over a year."

But despite these challenges, Llamas is not one to shy away from competition. In fact, he's previously told The Washington Post that he dreams of being the number one news anchor – and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get there.

Llamas' aggressive style may be rubbing some people the wrong way, but his stats are certainly impressive. As a weekend host on ABC World News Tonight under Muir's tutelage, Llamas helped the show achieve record-breaking ratings among younger viewers – and he's now aiming to replicate that success at NBC News.

Llamas' strides against Muir with winning over younger viewers, however, unsettled ABC News bosses who regard Muir as the network's crown jewel, sources told Daily Mail last month. Llamas, 46, previously told The Washington Post of his desire 'to be number one'

But while Llamas has managed to steal some of Muir's thunder with his young audience appeal, it seems the 51-year-old ABC News anchor is not one to be underestimated. After all, as The Scholarly Note can reveal, Llamas' victory over Muir in the key 25-54 demographic may have unsettled ABC News bosses – who regard Muir as their crown jewel.

As NBC News struggles to regain its footing after Holt's departure, it remains to be seen whether Llamas will be able to live up to his own expectations. Will he manage to dethrone Muir and become the number one news anchor? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Tom Llamas is not afraid of a challenge.

Additional Insights:

  • NBC News' ratings have been steadily declining since Holt's departure, with ABC World News Tonight maintaining its top spot among total viewers.
  • Llamas has yet to comment publicly on his management style or the reasons behind Rafferty's departure from NBC News.
  • In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, a former NBC News producer revealed that the network is "still feeling the effects" of Holt's departure and that it will take some time for staff members to adjust to Llamas' new approach.

Sources:

The Scholarly Note has spoken to multiple sources close to the matter, including current and former NBC News staff members who wish to remain anonymous.