Cuban-American Tom Llamas Breaks New Ground in U.S. Television

NBC, a major American television network, has appointed Cuban-American journalist Tom Llamas as the new anchor for its nightly broadcast, "NBC Nightly News." This announcement marks him as the first Latino to hold this position solo during a prime-time slot. With this new role, Llamas sets a significant milestone in the U.S. media landscape, further strengthening the Hispanic presence in high-level broadcast journalism.

A Rising Star in Journalism

At 45, Tom Llamas has forged a distinguished path in television journalism. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, he graduated with a degree in journalism from Loyola University in New Orleans. His news career began in 2000 with NBC News, and he has remained a familiar face on American television ever since. Llamas previously hosted "Top Story with Tom Llamas" on NBC News NOW and served as a correspondent for ABC News, covering major events in politics and both national and international news. His probing interview style and commitment to truth led to notable confrontations, such as a tense exchange with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, who labeled him "sleazy" after a pointed question about charitable donations. In 2019, Llamas was one of the few American journalists to interview Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, showcasing his ability to tackle complex issues with courage and depth.

Pride in His Cuban Heritage

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom Llamas has made his Cuban-American identity a cornerstone of his life and career. He grew up in a household where the news, particularly those concerning Cuba, was a constant topic of discussion. "My father grew up in a province in eastern Cuba called Oriente. My mother grew up in Havana. Right after Castro came to power, my mother left. My father's family left the island a few years later. They both came to this country with nothing and forged their path," Llamas shared in a 2021 article by Telemundo.

He recalls with emotion how his Miami family sent aid to relatives in Cuba, cleverly hiding Kool-Aid packets in envelopes so they wouldn't be confiscated by the government. "It was tough. I had everything I needed, and my relatives in Cuba had nothing, literally," he remarked on the harsh reality faced by his loved ones on the island. One of his most vivid childhood memories was the arrival of cousins from Cuba, who were extremely thin due to food shortages on the island. "I’ll never forget when we visited some family members and the children, about 4 or 5 years old, would walk over to their mother to breastfeed because there wasn’t enough milk," he explained.

Llamas has kept his Cuban culture alive within his household, instilling it in his children. "They love 'pastelitos.' We celebrate Nochebuena with roast pork, listen to a lot of Cuban music, and I teach them to dance. Speaking Spanish is something we’re working on, as language is the key to culture," he assures. From a young age, Llamas understood the significance of Cuban exile and the importance of freedom. "My parents were happy to be in a country where they had freedom of religion and freedom of expression, which make the United States a unique and special place," he expressed. "My parents didn’t speak English, they didn’t have money, yet this country made them part of its citizenry and gave them opportunities. They were professionals who raised a family, put their kids through school, and now one of their children is a news anchor," he concluded.

A Commitment to Truth

Llamas has stated that becoming the face of "NBC Nightly News" is a "profound honor that carries enormous responsibility," representing more than just a personal achievement, but an opportunity to continue his dedication to truth and journalistic excellence. "Tom has the winning combination of journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unwavering integrity," explained Janelle Rodríguez, executive vice president of programming at NBC News. Llamas takes on the challenge of following in the footsteps of Lester Holt, who led the newscast since 2015 and will now become the principal anchor of "Dateline."

Tom Llamas' appointment not only signifies a step forward for diversity in American media but also stands as a source of pride for the Cuban-American community. His story of overcoming challenges, his connection to his roots, and his commitment to journalism make him a role model for future generations of Latino journalists.