Why did Tom Llamas anchor 'NBC Nightly News' from Chicago?
He was in Chicago for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists conference and wanted to broadcast from a different location.
News / TV
Tom Llamas, the new anchor of 'NBC Nightly News,' broadcasted from Chicago on July 9, 2025, marking a significant moment for the program. Llamas, who succeeded Lester Holt, is also making waves by hosting a primetime newscast on NBC News No...
### Llamas's Background and Career Tom Llamas's journey to becoming the anchor of 'NBC Nightly News' is marked by dedication and diverse experiences. Born to Cuban immigrants, Llamas attended Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and Loyola University New Orleans. His early career included a stint as an NBC News overnight production assistant, followed by roles at WNBC-TV in New York and ABC News. He rejoined NBC in 2021 and was named anchor of 'NBC Nightly News' in March 2025.
### Ratings and Viewership Since Llamas took over on June 2, 'NBC Nightly News' has shown promising growth in ratings. In June 2025, the program averaged over 5.6 million total viewers, surpassing 'CBS Evening News.' While 'ABC World News Tonight' remains the top-rated evening newscast, NBC has gained ground in the 25- to 54-year-old demographic.
### Llamas's Plans and Vision Llamas intends to cover significant stories, including Pope Leo XIV, who grew up in Dolton, Illinois. He also expressed his love for Chicago cuisine and planned to enjoy local favorites during his visit. Llamas emphasizes building trust with viewers and delivering reliable news consistently.
### Ratings Context All evening newscasts experienced double-digit declines in the second quarter of 2025. 'ABC World News Tonight' had 7.240 million total viewers, 'NBC Nightly News' averaged 5.754 million, and 'CBS Evening News' had 3.827 million. Despite the declines, NBC Nightly News showed improvement relative to the year-ago quarter, increasing by 1% in total viewers and 14% in the A25-54 demo.
### How to Prepare - **Stay Informed:** Follow multiple news sources to get a comprehensive view of current events. - **Engage with Civic Affairs:** Participate in public life and stay curious about the world around you.
### Who This Affects Most - **News Viewers:** Those who rely on evening newscasts for their daily information. - **Aspiring Journalists:** Young people interested in a career in journalism can learn from Llamas's path and advice.
He was in Chicago for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists conference and wanted to broadcast from a different location.
The show has seen positive gains in viewership since he took over, outperforming 'CBS Evening News' in total viewers.
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