Since his suspension in February, former NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams has spent much of his time out of the spotlight — negotiating his fate with network executives. In the meantime, while rumors of Williams’ possible move to another time slot, Lester Holt has remained on as the program’s interim anchor. Now it looks like the two sides are finally ready to make a decision.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News Chairman Andy Lack told correspondents and other attendees at a network meeting “that he expects a resolution soon,” and that an “announcement could come this week.”
It’s unclear if Williams, who is represented by Washington lawyer Robert Barnett, will stay at NBC News. Negotiations between the two sides began in earnest after NBC News completed its internal investigation. Those discussion have been described by insiders as rancorous and at times even “nasty.”
The report goes on to suggest that, according to sources, Lack and Williams have maintained their close working relationship throughout the ordeal. However, it seems Williams has few (if any) supporters at the network.
A few proposals includes “scenarios to keep Williams in the family including a presence at MSNBC, where Williams at one time anchored an 8 p.m. newscast.” However, whether or not Williams and his reps are partial to these offers remains to be seen — especially if the talks thus far have been “nasty.”
Moral of the story? Don’t lie. Or better yet, don’t get caught lying.
At least, don’t get caught lying at a major broadcast network that (a) doesn’t run 24 hours a day, and (b) doesn’t produce a grainy end-of-the-world video with a full band and cheesy narration.
(Via The Hollywood Reporter)