Its 6 Months Without Pay For NBC’s Brian Williams

10 Feb, 2015

 NBC announced Tuesday that it is suspending Brian Williams as “Nightly News” anchor and managing editor for six months without pay for misleading the public about his experiences covering the Iraq War.

The network’s decision came less than a week after Williams apologized for saying on the air that he was in a helicopter hit by a grenade in 2003. Instead, another helicopter flying ahead of his was hit, and some veterans involved in the mission called him out on it.

NBC Chief Executive Steve Burke said Tuesday that Williams jeopardized the trust he has built up with viewers during his decade as the network’s lead anchor.

“His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate,” Burke said. But he said Williams “deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone’s trust.”

Williams declined to comment following the announcement.

NBC News President Deborah Turness said the review of Williams’ work by NBC’s investigative editor Richard Esposito, together with the network’s general counsel, is continuing. She said she was concerned with Williams’ comments both on the air and in outside venues. Williams told the war story on David Letterman’s talk show two years ago in addition to “Nightly News” on Jan. 30.

Williams has the responsibility to be truthful and uphold the standards of the news division, Turness said. But she said she felt it would be wrong to disregard the work that Williams has done and the “special relationship” he has built with viewers over 22 years.

Lester Holt, Williams’ primary substitute, will fill in for him during the six-month suspension, Turness said.

AP

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