NBC Suspends Brian Williams For 6 Months, With No Pay 02/11/2015

We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.
Our review, which is being led by Richard Esposito working closely with NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, is ongoing, but I think it is important to take you through our thought process in coming to this decision.
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While on Nightly News on Friday, January 30, 2015, Brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the Iraq War in 2003. It then became clear that on other occasions, Brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. This was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian’s position.
In addition, we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.
As Managing Editor and Anchor of Nightly News, Brian has a responsibility to be truthful and to uphold the high standards of the news division at all times.
Steve Burke, Pat Fili and I came to this decision together. We felt it would have been wrong to disregard the good work Brian has done and the special relationship he has forged with our viewers over 22 years. Millions of Americans have turned to him every day, and he has been an important and well-respected part of our organization.
As I’m sure you understand, this was a very hard decision. Certainly, there will be those who disagree. But we believe this suspension is the appropriate and proportionate action.
This has been a difficult time. But NBC News is bigger than this moment. You work so hard and dedicate yourselves each and every day to the important work of bringing trusted, credible news to our audience. Because of you, your loyalty, your dedication, NBC News is an organization we can – and should – all be proud of. We will get through this together.
Steve Burke asked me to share the following message.
“This has been a painful period for all concerned, and we appreciate your patience while we gathered the available facts. By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate. Brian’s life’s work is delivering the news. I know Brian loves his country, NBC News and his colleagues. He 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.”
Deborah

4 comments about "NBC Suspends Brian Williams For 6 Months, With No Pay".

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Douglas Ferguson from College of Charleston, February 11, 2015 at 7:52 a.m.
So in 6 months his virginity will be restored?

Mike Einstein from the Brothers Einstein, February 11, 2015 at 9:24 a.m.

Sounds to me like he got fired, and rightly so.

Ed Papazian from Media Dynamics Inc, February 11, 2015 at 10:50 a.m.

I wonder if NBC will hire Jon Stewart as his replacement?

Melanie Kaupke from ASU, February 11, 2015 at 3:55 p.m.

Growing up in a small military town, I have developed a great respect for all service members. Going to war, being stationed in dangerous countries and putting their lives at risk for their families and their country shows a lot of courage. I think what Brian Williams did is a huge embarrassment, not only to NBC but also to this country. I was appalled when I read he claimed he was on a helicopter that was shot down by an RPG, when in fact, he was not. Over 100 Americans have been killed in helicopter crashes since the war started, and to say he was put in the same position that so many lost their lives to is disgraceful. I think NBC’s decision to suspend him without pay for 6 months was a wise decision, and I hope they make the right decision when the time comes to bring him back or not.