All,<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s position.<\/p>\n
In addition, we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 Millions of Americans have turned to him every day, and he has been an important and well-respected part of our organization.<\/p>\n
As I\u2019m sure you understand, this was a very hard decision. Certainly there will be those who disagree.\u00a0 But we believe this suspension is the appropriate and proportionate action.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 and should – all be proud of. We will get through this together.<\/p>\n
Steve Burke asked me to share the following message.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u00a0 His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate.\u00a0 Brian\u2019s life\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone\u2019s trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deborah<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
All, 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.\u00a0 We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News. Our review, which is […]<\/p>\n