What Is Tom Llamas and NBC Nightly News Doing in Pittsburgh?

TOM LLAMAS | PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC NEWS

Since being named anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News in June, veteran journalist Tom Llamas has broadcasted live from Texas, Miami, Chicago, Alaska and beyond.

On Tuesday, it was Pittsburgh’s turn.

The journalist, who replaced Lester Holt on the long-running show, was in the city as part of NBC News’ recently launched Reporting for American campaign, which reiterates the organization’s commitment to spending time in the communities they serve — and not just on the coasts or in major media hubs.

“I’ve been going around the country to various stations, introducing myself, talking to [the local news staff],” Llamas says. “I think the local newsrooms are a central nervous systems for the country.”

Since rejoining NBC News in 2021, the Miami native and married father of three has covered countless breaking national and global news stories, including the death of Pope Francis in Rome, the New Orleans terror attack, the Israel-Hamas war and the war in Ukraine.

In 2024, he reported from western Pennsylvania on one of the year’s biggest stories, the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump during a campaign stop north of Pittsburgh in Butler.

“And then I came back to interview the survivors,” Llamas adds. “We actually did the interview here in Pittsburgh.”

Following the 6:30 p.m. broadcast Tuesday in Pittsburgh, Llamas jetted off to Houston, Texas, for the next part of his campaign, but not before first bemoaning the loss of his hometown team, the Miami Dolphins, to the Steelers on Monday Night Football.

“That’s my team. You guys whooped us,” he says with a laugh.

Here’s what else Llamas had to say about life on the road, why he decided to broadcast NBC Nightly News from Pittsburgh — and the special thing he does for his family each time he visits a new city.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Why did you choose Pittsburgh for the live broadcast of NBC Nightly News?

Pittsburgh is one of our strongest NBC stations, and we wanted to come here and show them something.

I came from local news, so I know a lot of times, when news breaks, we ask them for a lot of help if it’s something that happens in Pittsburgh. I want to make sure they know me so they can ask us for help as well.

It’s kind of a get to know you; they can understand my news philosophy. And Pittsburgh is one of those great American cities. So if we can take the broadcast around, I want to show the viewers that we’re here and thank them for their loyalty.

You’ve visited the area many times over the year to cover different news events, including presidential elections. Is there anything you’ve picked up on about Pittsburgh that stands out to you?

I think it’s a great city. I mean, you come out of that tunnel and you see this beautiful city; you see where the Steelers play, PNC Park is right there, the yellow bridges, the rivers. It’s a town that has a lot of great local history, and that has been through a lot when you tell the story of America.

I think its people have a lot of pride in their hometown; they’re a scrappy group. It’s just a great place.

When you arrive in a new city, what’s one thing you do or look for to get the best sense of its character?

I think food is always a good way to open the door and get to know a culture in a city. Not like the nice restaurants, but what’s the comfort food here? What’s the go-to? Is it a great sandwich? Is it a great slice of pizza? Is it Italian food or whatever sort of ethnic food they might have in that community?

Walking around is another great way to get to know a place. Usually, I’m staying in a hotel somewhere downtown or wherever is closest to the news events. I like to just walk around and see the city a little bit if I can.

I’m also a big record collector; I love vinyl music. I’ve already gotten three recommendations for places here in Pittsburgh.

What other kinds of recommendations have people here made to you? Any restaurants?

Oh yeah, all kinds. There’s a Nordic restaurant that everyone keeps telling me about in Pittsburgh — Fet-Fisk. Rockaway Pizzeria is another. Then people were telling me about Nico’s Recovery Room.

No one has recommended Primanti Brothers to you yet? Their sandwiches are a Pittsburgh tradition.

Of course! We’re going to go there. I’ve eaten there before, though.

Obviously you travel a lot for work. What’s one small routine that you keep no matter what city you’re in?

I’m a little bit of a creature of habit, so I like to meditate and pray. I’ll keep that routine up when I’m in the hotel room.

I do like to walk solo and just kind of explore whatever city I’m in. If I’m gone for an extended period of time, I’ll bring back something special for my kids, because they will always ask me for something — and for my wife, too. My son is a huge fan of [Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher] Paul Skenes, so I’ve gotta find something for him while I’m here.