NBC Nightly News originated live from Chicago last night as part of its Across America series, and there appeared to be some issues with Lester Holt‘s live anchor remote. Holt was anchoring from an outdoor area in the midst of strong wins and a downpour. Luckily, NBC News correspondent Kristen Dahlgren was ready in New York, because she was forced to take over anchor duties from 30 Rock at 6:41 p.m. ET (shown above).
Holt returned at 6:44 p.m. ET, and noted the wild weather moving through the city during his broadcast, “Pretty wicked storm blowing through here!,” he said, before throwing to commercial break.
But Dahlgren picked up the broadcast once again, this time at 6:47 p.m. ET.
Then it was back to Holt at 6:49 p.m., and he would successfully anchor the remainder of the newscast from that position. I guess that’s why they call it the Windy City!
Here’s a screenshot of video taken by TVNewser contributor Alissa Krinsky, just yards away from the set as winds were whipping through the area.
The day didn’t start out as rough. Holt got to throw out the first pitch at Chicago White Sox game earlier in the afternoon…and it wasn’t half bad!
Earlier in the day, the Nightly News anchor spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times about that evening’s broadcast, which focused on how the Chicago PD is working tirelessly to combat violence. He was also asked about the Tom Brokaw sexual harassment allegations. “I read what you read, and I have no special knowledge. I’m not evading the question,” Holt said when asked about his former colleague. “All I can tell you is that I’ve known Tom for the better part of 18 years. He’s a man of integrity. He’s my friend. He’s my mentor. And I think he’s a standup guy,” asserted Holt. “Beyond that, I can’t offer much.”
He also visited NBC 5 to promote the evening’s broadcast: