In its investigation of embattled "Nightly News" anchor Brian
Williams, NBC found that the majority of his tall tales about his
reporting took place on late night talk shows and in public
appearances rather than while he was on the network.
That distinction appears to have been a major factor in NBC's
decision to keep Mr. Williams, albeit in a diminished role at the
network's sister cable news channel MSNBC. Lester Holt, who has
been filling in for Mr. Williams on "Nightly News" since February,
was named the permanent anchor.
NBC, in a statement, didn't go into detail about what its probe
of Mr. Williams revealed beyond saying that he had "made a number
of inaccurate statements about his own role and experiences
covering events in the field." The network went on to say that most
of the inaccuracies didn't happen on NBC News platforms, "but
rather on late-night programs and during public appearances,
usually years after the news events in question."
The story that led to the inquiry of Mr. Williams, however, did
happen in part on the air and involved the anchor saying he'd been
in a helicopter in Iraq in 2003 that came under attack. That story
was debunked and Mr. Williams apologized on air.
In a statement, Mr. Williams apologized for saying things "that
weren't true" and added that he is determined to win back the trust
of NBC News and its viewers.
In his new role, Mr. Williams will anchor breaking news stories
and special reports for MSNBC and primarily appear in the daytime.
MSNBC's evening schedule is mostly political talk shows.
"Brian now has the chance to earn back everyone's trust," said
NBC News Chairman Andy Lack. "His excellent work over 22 years at
NBC News has earned him that opportunity."
Mr. Williams was interviewed about his exaggerations by Matt
Lauer, the anchor of NBC's "Today." That interview will appear on
Friday morning's "Today" broadcast as well as on "Nightly News"
Friday evening.
Write to Joe Flint at joe.flint@wsj.com
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