The #1 news anchor in America, Brian Williams, is paying the price due to his lie about coming under enemy fire in Iraq and his involvement in other stories. Not only is Brian Williams’ future uncertain, but the sanctity of NBC News nightly broadcast, once the haven of iconic newsman Tom Brokaw, is also endangered.
Will the crisis fade during his leave of absence?
Probably not, at least not in my opinion. It’s one thing to make an error, it’s another to lie and embellish one’s own heroism. No one will ever trust him again. He will always be tarnished and untrustworthy, which means his value as a newsman will be diminished. But will NBC News continue to keep him as their anchor after his suspension? They might. His broadcast is one of the most lucrative shows in NBC’s roster.
But maybe we will see some signs of his future during his suspension. How will the ratings fair in the wake of this matter? Will they be the same or is it the final advantage ABC anchor David Muir needs to unseat NBC as #1? I think the latter scenario is more likely. NBC may feel the same way and perhaps, in response, Matt Lauer will make the move from the morning, or Lester Holt, the anchor for “Dateline,” will become the permanent new anchor. Or perhaps an outsider will come in and take the helm. Time will tell.
What do you think of the situation facing Brian Williams and NBC News?
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