Brian Williams today apologized to colleagues and viewers in a statement that kicks off the PR redemption plan of the disgraced NBC News anchor.
Interim anchor Lester Holt officially takes over for Williams, who is jettisoned to MSNBC as breaking news/special reports anchor beginning in mid-August.
As part of the reputation rehab, Matt Lauer interviewed Williams during the last two days. That piece will air on Friday on "Today" and during the evening newscast.
Williams made the following statement:
"I’m sorry. I said things that weren’t true. I let down my NBC colleagues and our viewers, and I’m determined to earn back their trust. I will greatly miss working with the team on Nightly News, but I know the broadcast will be in excellent hands with Lester Holt as anchor. I will support him 100% as he has always supported me.
"I am grateful for the chance to return to covering the news. My new role will allow me to focus on important issues and events in our country and around the world, and I look forward to it.”
At MSNBC, Williams will work with Mark Lukasiewicz, senior VP-special reports for NBCU News Group.
He'll serve as NBC News breaking news anchor for live special reports if Holt is not available.
In clearing his return, NBCUniversal said it reviewed Williams' reports, commentary and public appearances made during the past 10 years.
Kim Harris, executive VP and general counsel of NBCU and former White House and Justice Dept. counselor was responsible for the probe. Richard Esposito, head of NBC News investigative unit, conducted the investigation.
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