NBC Nightly News anchor, Brian Williams has wisely decided to bench himself for awhile. Rather than just reporting the news from all over the world, the veteran reporter has been grabbing numerous headlines all week due to his "misremembering" whether or not his chopper was hit by a grenade in Iraq (it wasn't). Many of his other tales of heroism on the job are now under a microscope as the network has opened a full investigation into Williams reporting. After feeling the heat from all sides for a few days, he finally has announced that he is taking a break from the anchor desk.
"In the midst of a career spent covering and consuming news, it has become painfully apparent to me that I am presently too much a part of the news, due to my actions. As Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News, I have decided to take myself off of my daily broadcast for the next several days, and Lester Holt has kindly agreed to sit in for me to allow us to adequately deal with this issue. Upon my return, I will continue my career-long effort to be worthy of the trust of those who place their trust in us." said Williams in a statement on Saturday.
It seems that everyone in the news industry has voiced an opinion on this situation, with the general consensus being that Williams needs to go because he is no longer trustworthy. Instead his reporting will be second-guessed rather than taken as truth. While his tall tales might register as absolute foolishness, taking a leave of absence is the wisest move that he can make right now, don't you think?
Lester Holt will be sitting in for Williams while NBC figures out what to do with him. He normally co-anchors Weekend Today and has been with the network forever. Might this be an opportunity for Holt to slide into that seat for good? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
