Award-winning journalist José Díaz-Balart has been named full-time anchor of Saturday editions of "NBC Nightly News" effective August 6, making permanent a role he has shared with a rotation of anchors since November 2015. Díaz-Balart will continue to lead his two Telemundo programs, "Noticiero Telemundo" on weeknights and "Enfoque con José Díaz-Balart" on Sunday mornings. He is also a frequent panelist on the "Meet the Press" roundtable.
"This is a significant moment for the broadcast and a true testament to José's many talents," said Janelle Rodriguez, SVP Editorial,
NBC News, who oversees "NBC Nightly News." "He will now hold the historic distinction of occupying preeminent anchor positions on two major broadcast networks in two languages. José has anchored nearly half of the Saturday broadcasts since joining the rotation in November -- and we're thrilled that he'll officially join our top-notch lineup with Lester Holt on weeknights and Kate Snow on Sundays."
Rodriguez added: "Saturday 'Nightly' is firmly #1 in both total viewers and the key demo season to date -- a clear recognition of our whole team's success."
"As Hispanics, as journalists and as members of the
Telemundo News team, we are delighted for José and his new expanded role," said Luis Fernández, Executive Vice President of Network News at Telemundo. "This is, without a doubt, a well-deserved recognition of José's outstanding career trajectory and further consolidates his position as one of the most distinguished journalists on television."
Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC, said: "José has been with
MSNBC for over two years and has become an integral part of our fabric. As he shifts his focus to this new position with
NBC News, he will step away from his anchor duties at MSNBC. While we will miss his daily presence on our air, we're thrilled that he'll remain part of the extended family. Going forward, José will contribute regularly to special reports and major events for both
NBC News and
MSNBC - starting with the Republican and Democratic national conventions where he will anchor on-the-ground live coverage."
Díaz-Balart has received numerous accolades over his 30 year career, including the George Foster Peabody Award, Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award, and the Broadcasting & Cable/Multichannel News 2012 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hispanic Television. Most recently, he was honored with the 2014 Life Achievement Award by the Hispanic Federation and the Communications Award by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).
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