Brian Williams is being booted from “NBC Nightly News” and will be moved to MSNBC as a breaking news anchor, the network confirmed Thursday.
NBC News president Andy Lack said in a memo to staff that Lester Holt will become the permanent anchor of “Nightly News,” and Williams will “take on a new role anchoring breaking news for MSNBC.”
The network said that Lack and NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke had decided that Williams, who was an anchor at MSNBC from 1996 to 2004, will now join MSNBC as anchor of breaking news and special reports. Williams will also serve as a breaking news anchor for NBC News when Holt is not available, and will begin the new role in mid-August.
The move comes after an exhaustive internal investigation into Lyin’ Brian’s tall tales exposed after he reiterated a “misremembered” report about a mission in Iraq. The probe uncovered further untruths made by the embattled anchor.
NBC said in a press release, “The extensive review found that Williams made a number of inaccurate statements about his own role and experiences covering events in the field. The statements in question did not for the most part occur on NBC News platforms or in the immediate aftermath of the news events, but rather on late-night programs and during public appearances, usually years after the news events in question.”
Williams issued another apology as part of today’s announcement, which reads, “I’m sorry. I said things that weren’t true. I let down my NBC colleagues and our viewers, and I’m determined to earn back their trust.
“I will greatly miss working with the team on Nightly News, but I know the broadcast will be in excellent hands with Lester Holt as anchor. I will support him 100% as he has always supported me.
“I am grateful for the chance to return to covering the news. My new role will allow me to focus on important issues and events in our country and around the world, and I look forward to it.”
Lack added of Williams’ new role, “Brian now has the chance to earn back everyone’s trust. His excellent work over twenty-two years at NBC News has earned him that opportunity.”
Burke added, “As you would imagine this was a difficult decision. Brian Williams has been with NBC News for a very long time and he has covered countless news events with honor and skill.
“As I said in February, we believe in second chances, and I am hopeful that this new beginning will be good for Brian and the organization. This matter has been extensively analyzed and deliberated on by NBC. We are moving forward.”
Of Holt taking the main anchor chair for “Nightly News,” Lack continued, “Lester has done outstanding work for NBC News over the last ten years, and he’s performed remarkably well over the last few months under very tough circumstances … Lester is the perfect person to meet the moment.”
Holt added, “This is an enormous honor. The respect and admiration I have for the Nightly News team has only grown deeper over the last several months that we’ve been together … I’m very proud and grateful to be part of such an unflappable and dedicated team of professionals as we move forward together.”
NBC also confirmed that Matt Lauer has conducted an interview with Williams over the last two days, which will air on “Today” on Friday morning and on “NBC Nightly News” on Friday evening.
Page Six first reported the news that Williams would be moved to MSNBC as a breaking news anchor early Thursday.