We have probably seen the last of Brian Williams behind the news desk at NBC Nightly News. His string of questionable stories and alleged fabrications has tarnished his reputation and earned him a suspension from NBC in recent months. But that doesn’t mean NBC is finished with him.
Williams and the network have been locked in discussions about where they go from here and reports seem to indicate that NBC is looking to keep the embattled anchor around, one can only assume in some sort of jester type role in the offices at 30 Rock. No matter what that role might end up being, CNN Money is reporting that NBC is attempting to be creative:
Weeks of complex negotiations between Williams and NBC are not yet complete, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. There are any number of possible outcomes. Several of the sources said Williams could end up leaving NBC altogether following a financial settlement. But another possibility, and the one advanced in recent discussions, involves a new role for Williams.
Andy Lack, the chairman of NBC News, has been a proponent of this outcome. “Andy’s contorting to figure out a way to keep Brian,” one of the sources said.
One of the sources described employee meetings where Lack asked attendees to “think creatively” about a new role for Williams.
It is a bit surprising that any discussion has happened considering the implications involved here. It is hard to report the news when people are questioning everything you say, that’s an obvious fact. Maybe there’s an opening as Jimmy Fallon’s new announcer or as the host of a Daily Show rip off that can air after Undateable. It’s either that or sit on the couch at home.
Part of me wants to think that all of this is punishment for his daughter’s performance in Peter Pan. Then again, it wasn’t that bad…
