WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan & David Crabtree with NBC Nightly News Anchor Lester Holt.

On Friday, February 12, 2016, NBC Nightly News Anchor Lester Holt paid a visit to the WRAL-TV studios to meet staffers and shoot promos for the upcoming transition at the Big 5.  WRAL-TV will become an NBC affiliate on February 29, and Holt wanted to meet the folks behind the top local news operation in the county.

Staffers flocked to the newsroom for a brief talk from Holt and then posed for photos.  He created a lot of positive buzz.

“What an incredible visit we had with Lester Holt!” said WRAL-TV Anchor Debra Morgan.  “He is so sincere, real, and down-to-earth. Lester understands the value of serving our community and I know he is a great fit for our WRAL family.”

Her cohort on the news desk felt the same way.

“Network anchors CAN be down to earth,” said WRAL-TV Anchor David Crabtree.  “That’s the case with NBC’s Lester Holt.  Smart, talented, funny and humble. Great having him in the WRAL studios. Earlier in Durham so he could get a feel for the area. It’s going to be a great partnership. CBC and NBC! Proud as a peacock!!”

WRAL-TV Vice President & General Manager Steve Hammel agreed.

NBC Nightly News Anchor Lester Holt receives a Durham Bulls jacket and cap from WRAL-TV Vice President & General Manager Steve Hammel.

“Lester Holt is the ‘real deal’,” said Hammel.  “He is authentic and a terrific person—in addition to him being a very good journalist, reporter and anchor.  I am delighted Lester was able to come here in order to say hello to many of us as well as to start to get to know the Triangle during his promotion shoot.”

Holt spent part of his brief time at WRAL-TV being a part of promotion shoots for the transition.  He also gained fans from his great work on the spots.

“A very cool ending to a very busy week,” said WRAL-TV Studio Broadcast Engineer Tony Gupton.  “Got to work on a promotions shoot today with NBC network anchor Lester Holt and a few of our anchors. He is a great guy and soon to be seen on the big 5 when we partner with NBC in a couple of weeks.”

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Wendy Gatlin, David Crabtree, Shelly Leslie, Tony Gupton & Corp’s Pam Allen for these capcom photos.