A month into Brian Williams‘ suspension, “Nightly News” with substitute anchor Lester Holt maintained its lead in total viewers and the advertiser-coveted 25-54 demo, winning both categories for the week ending Mar. 9 over ABC’s “World News Tonight” for the second straight week.

“Nightly” attracted 9,738,000 viewers and 2,391,000 25-54 viewers. “WNT” with David Muir drew 9,254,000 total viewers and 2,301,000 viewers 25-54. “CBS Evening News” with Scott Pelley brought in 7,654,000 total viewers and 1,782,000 demo viewers.

The win for “Nightly” was the largest margin of victory for Holt over “WNT” since assuming the anchor chair a month ago.  Year-over-year, “WNT” showed the most growth, up 12 percent in total viewers and up 4 percent in the demo.

Compared to the same time last year, “Nightly” was flat in total viewers and up 1 percent in the demo.

“Nightly’s” defense of the top spot comes at the same time former NBC News president Andrew Lack is rejoining the Peacock Network as NBCUniversal News Group Chairman. 

As TheWrap reported, Lack’s first priority will be bringing the Brian Williams saga to an end, deciding whether the anchor should return or part ways with the network.

Lester Holt’s success in keeping “Nightly” on top might make that decision easier.

Brian Williams-less ‘Nightly News’ Continues to Hold Ratings Lead