Real News and Fake News each marked the end of an era Tuesday; the trick was telling which was which.
On the same day fans of “The Daily Show” learned Jon Stewart would retire at the end of the year from the iconic satire he created on Comedy Central, fans of Brian Williams were told he would be suspended for six months from the “NBC Nightly News” anchor chair.
It was a fascinating juxtaposition that signaled changes in the way Americans absorb information, regard celebrity and, increasingly, trust parodists to deliver truth in a way old-school news personalities can’t.
Stewart is expected to remain in place until his contract expires late this year; Williams’ suspension is effective immediately.
For “jeopardizing the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News,” Williams will be suspended for six months without pay, the network announced in an extraordinary and crushing memo recounting instances of the anchor’s lack of truth-telling.
Williams had earlier used the artful term “conflating” about his false memories. The network didn’t use the words lying or confabulating, but cited the anchor’s “misrepresentation” of events.
NBC News President Deborah Turness said an internal review of Williams’ actions is ongoing; Lester Holt will continue as substitute anchor during the suspension.
Turness’ memo recounted Williams’ “misrepresentation” of events that occurred while covering the Iraq War in 2003 and further noted, “it became clear that on other occasions Brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues.” Further, the NBC News executive said, “we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.” Questions about Williams’ disputed accounts of his experience in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and during Israel’s war with Hezbollah in 2006 were not directly addressed.
“As managing editor and anchor of Nightly News,” Turness wrote, “Brian has a responsibility to be truthful and to uphold the high standards of the news division at all times.”
Steve Burke, executive vice president of Comcast and President of NBC Universal, added: “Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate,” but suggested Williams has shared deep remorse and “deserves a second chance.”
The resolution follows Williams’ self-imposed two-day absence from the NBC News anchor chair in light of his tortured apology/explanation for “conflating” facts regarding his time in Iraq. It comes amid a swirl of social media stings, late-night comedy jabs and criticism from journalistic colleagues that left the network little choice.
The decision to move quickly toward a resolution was made reportedly because the entire network was preoccupied with the unfolding Williams drama.
Williams has been ridiculed for nearly a week for exaggerating his experience in Iraq. He had recounted on several occasions, including on David Letterman’s “Late Show,” an event when the military helicopter he was riding in came under fire from a rocket-propelled grenade. Crew members said he was in a following chopper. The controversy first came to light through a story in the military news organization Stars & Stripes.
NBC News over the weekend launched an internal investigation into the matter, putting investigative reporter Richard Esposito in charge. Critics have noted Esposito, the executive producer in charge of NBC’s investigative unit, is essentially tasked with investigating his boss.
Williams’s attorney, Robert Barnett, had no comment on his client’s suspension.
Journalists on cable TV news channels debated the likelihood of Williams returning as primary anchor and NBC News figurehead after a six-month suspension. For most it seemed doubtful.
CNN’s Brian Stelter reported there is “a widespread belief inside NBC” that Williams may never actually return to the anchor chair he has held since 2004.
At Denver NBC affiliate KUSA, 9News anchor Kyle Clark said he has respected Williams for years but, “I feel like writing him a letter — to tell him how he disappointed me.”
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830, jostrow@denverpost.com or on Twitter @ostrowDP
