Stefan Holt Biography: NBC 5 News Anchor and Award-Winning Journalist
Stefan Holt is a prominent American journalist and news anchor, currently working for NBC 5 in Chicago, where he anchors the weeknight 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts alongside Allison Rosati and Marion Brooks. He is the son of renowned NBC Nightly News anchor, Lester Holt.
Early Life and Education:
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Stefan Holt grew up in Lincoln Park. He graduated cum laude from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, in 2009, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast telecommunications and a B.A. in political science.
During his college years, he interned at KABC-TV in Los Angeles and NBC News in London. He also had an early interest in aviation, becoming a private pilot in 2006.
Career:
Holt’s journalism career began at WPBF, the ABC-TV affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he served as a reporter and weekend anchor.
In 2011, he returned to his hometown, joining NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV) in Chicago as a reporter and anchor. Within eight months, he was named weekday news anchor for the early morning newscast (4:30 a.m. – 7 a.m.).
In 2016, Holt moved to New York City to join WNBC-TV, NBC’s flagship station, as the 4 p.m. news anchor. He later added duties as anchor of WNBC’s 11 p.m. news, taking over from long-time anchor Chuck Scarborough.
In August 2020, Holt announced his return to NBC 5 in Chicago, where he now co-anchors the 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Award-Winning Journalism:
Stefan Holt is an award-winning journalist, having received several Chicago and New York Emmy Awards.
He was also recognized with a national Edward R. Murrow Award as part of team coverage during the deadly 2019 police standoff in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Throughout his career, he has covered significant events, including being one of the first U.S. journalists to report live from Havana following the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro.
He also co-anchored news coverage from the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. and the 2016 Presidential Debate at Hofstra University.
Aviation Enthusiast
Holt is an avid aviation enthusiast and holds a private pilot’s license. He frequently reports on the airline industry and transportation safety.
Age
Stefan Holt was born around 1986 or 1987, making him 39 or 38 years old. His zodiac sign is Libra. He is of mixed ethnicity (Caucasian and African American). As for his nationality, he is American.
Parents and Siblings
Stefan is the eldest son of Lester Holt, the longtime anchor of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC, and Carol Hagen-Holt, a licensed real estate agent and former flight attendant based in New York City.
His parents met while Carol was working as a flight attendant and Lester was a student at California State University.
He has one younger brother, Cameron Holt, who chose a different path from journalism. Cameron is a Stanford University graduate and currently works as an Equity Derivatives Trader at Morgan Stanley in New York City.
Stefan was born in Chicago in 1987 and grew up in a media-savvy household.
He often accompanied his father to the studio during early morning shifts, which helped spark his interest in journalism from a young age.
This early exposure to the newsroom environment played a pivotal role in shaping his career aspirations.
Lester Holt has spoken fondly of raising his sons in a “drama-free” and close-knit environment, emphasizing strong values, work ethic, and mutual respect.
Both Stefan and Cameron are often described as grounded and driven, reflecting the influence of their upbringing.
Wife
Stefan Holt is married to Morgan Holt, whom he met while both were students at Pepperdine University.
The couple exchanged vows in July 2012 in an intimate ceremony attended by close family and friends.
Morgan has maintained a relatively private life but is known for her steadfast support of Stefan’s demanding journalism career, often accompanying him at major milestones and events.
Together, Stefan and Morgan are proud parents of three sons: Henry, born in 2017; Samuel, born in 2019; and James, born in 2021.
Stefan often speaks fondly about the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. His father, NBC anchor Lester Holt, affectionately refers to himself as “Grand-dude” in his role as a devoted grandfather.
The family resides in Chicago, where they balance professional commitments with a nurturing home life.
Stefan Holt Height, Weight
Stefan Holt stands approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall and maintains a moderate build, with an estimated weight of around 85 kilograms (187 pounds).
Career and Background
Stefan Holt has had a successful career in journalism, starting his career at WPBF, the ABC-TV affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida, as a reporter and anchor.
He then moved to NBC’s Chicago station, WMAQ, where he worked as a reporter and anchor before being promoted to weekday news anchor for the 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. newscast.
In 2016, he moved to New York City to anchor the 4 p.m. newscast at WNBC-TV, and in 2017, he added the 11 p.m. newscast to his duties.
After four years at WNBC, he returned to WMAQ in Chicago in 2020, where he currently anchors the 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
1. Early Career and Internships
- While studying at Pepperdine University, Holt interned at KABC-TV in Los Angeles and NBC News in London, gaining early exposure to both local and international newsrooms.
2. WPBF-TV (West Palm Beach, Florida) – 2009 to 2011
- Holt began his professional career at WPBF, the ABC affiliate in West Palm Beach, as a reporter and weekend anchor.
- He covered major regional stories and quickly established himself as a rising talent in broadcast journalism.
3. WMAQ-TV NBC 5 Chicago – 2011 to 2016
- In 2011, Holt joined NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) as a general assignment reporter.
- Within eight months, he was promoted to weekday morning anchor for “NBC 5 News Today,” airing from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- His work in Chicago earned him local recognition and positioned him for a move to a larger market.
4. WNBC-TV New York – 2016 to 2020
- In 2016, Holt transitioned to WNBC-TV, NBC’s flagship station in New York City.
- He anchored the 4 p.m. newscast, and in 2017, he was promoted to also anchor the 11 p.m. newscast, succeeding longtime anchor Chuck Scarborough.
- During his tenure, he covered major national events, including the 2017 U.S. Presidential Inauguration and breaking news across the Northeast.
5. Return to WMAQ-TV NBC 5 Chicago – 2020 to Present
- In 2020, Holt returned to NBC 5 Chicago, this time as a lead evening anchor.
- He currently co-anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts alongside Allison Rosati and Marion Brooks.
- His return marked a full-circle moment, reinforcing his deep ties to the Chicago community and NBC’s Midwest operations.
Key Achievements:
- Holt has received several awards, including Emmy Awards for his work in both Chicago and New York.
- He was recognized with a national Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the deadly 2019 police standoff in Jersey City, New Jersey.
- He was one of the first U.S. journalists to report live from Havana following the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro.
- He co-anchored news coverage from the 2017 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his career, Holt has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering quality news and informing the public.
His experience, professionalism, and engaging on-air presence have made him a respected figure in the journalism industry.
Stefan Holt works with several talented colleagues at NBC 5 in Chicago. Here are some of his close colleagues:
- Allison Rosati: Co-anchor with Stefan on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts. Allison is a seasoned journalist known for her integrity and dedication to delivering accurate news.
- Marion Brooks: Co-anchor with Stefan on the 4 p.m. newscast. Marion is known for her engaging reporting style and commitment to quality journalism.
- Rob Stafford: A veteran anchor and reporter who co-anchors the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. Rob is highly respected for his in-depth reporting and dedication to the news team.
- Brant Miller: Chief meteorologist who provides weather updates and forecasts. Brant’s expertise in meteorology is a valuable asset to the news team.
- Kate Chappell: Reporter known for her compelling stories and in-depth reporting. Kate covers a wide range of topics and is a valued member of the news team.
- Siafa Lewis: Sports anchor and reporter who covers local and national sports events. Siafa’s energetic reporting style keeps sports fans engaged.
Stefan Holt and his colleagues work together to provide comprehensive and reliable news coverage for NBC 5 viewers.
Net Worth and Salary
Stefan Holt has built a solid financial profile through his successful career in broadcast journalism.
His estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting over a decade of work with major NBC affiliates in both Chicago and New York.
Some sources suggest earlier estimates as high as $12 million, though these figures may include broader asset valuations or outdated data.
As for his earnings, Holt reportedly earns an annual salary between $50,000 and $120,000, depending on his role, market size, and tenure.
Given his position as a lead evening anchor at NBC 5 Chicago and his previous high-profile role at WNBC in New York, it’s likely that his compensation leans toward the upper end of that range.
Is Stefan Holt Married?
Yes, Stefan Holt is married to Morgan Holt. The couple has been together since 2012.
How many kids does Stefan Holt have?
Stefan Holt and his wife, Morgan, have three children. Their sons are named Henry, Samuel, and Jammes. James is the youngest, born in September 2021.
Is Stefan Holt related to Lester Holt?
Yes, Stefan Holt is the son of Lester Holt. Lester Holt is a well-known journalist and anchor for NBC Nightly News, and Stefan has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an anchor himself.
Why did Stefan Holt leave New York?
Stefan Holt left New York to pursue new opportunities in his career. He moved from New York to Chicago to join NBC Chicago as an anchor. This move allowed him to grow professionally and take on new challenges in his broadcasting career.
How Old is Stefan Holt?
Stefan Holt was born around 1986 or 1987, which makes him 39 or 38 years old as of 2024.
Where is Stefan Holt Working?
As of now, Stefan Holt is a lead news anchor at WMAQ-TV (NBC 5 Chicago), the NBC-owned station in his hometown of Chicago.
He currently co-anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts alongside veteran journalists Allison Rosati and Marion Brooks.
Holt returned to NBC 5 in 2020 after a four-year stint at WNBC in New York City, where he anchored the 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts.
His current role places him at the forefront of evening news coverage in one of the nation’s largest media markets, continuing a legacy of trusted journalism.
Stefan Holt is active on social media! He maintains a presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where he shares updates on breaking news, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life as a journalist.
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