NBC Suspends Brian Williams for Six Months Without Pay Over Iraq Story
Embattled NBC news anchor Brian Williams, who has come under fire recently for misrepresenting his role in a helicopter incident in Iraq, was suspended for six months without pay Tuesday night, according to a memo issued to staff by NBC News President Deborah Turness.
"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," wrote Turness in the memo highlighted by Buzzfeed.
She explained that the network's review of Williams' claims about his role in the Iraq incident remains ongoing.
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"While on Nightly News on Friday, Jan. 30, 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," she said.
"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," she added.
Turness further explained that the decision to suspend Williams was difficult but the network feels it is the right course of action.
"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," she said.
"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," she noted.
