Can Brian Williams ever return to NBC and slide back into the role of a trusted news anchor? The topic seems to be hotly debated by many, and while it has been reported that Williams is not exactly loved by many at the network, it still seems that new news chief Andy Lack may fully intend to bring his friend back into the fold once his six-month suspension ends. It was obvious during an interview last night, March 10 that Williams does have Keith Olbermann and David Letterman firmly planted in his corner as well.
According to a report by Deadline, "Letterman may still be hoping Williams will use Late Show to kick off a Road to Career Recovery Tour, taking a lesson from Dave's '09 master class in how to to use a studio audience's applause and laughter to begin the process of public, press and corporate forgiveness.
"Olbermann made his case, noting Williams is the guy who 'would get the most personally hurt when there was a mistake, a factual error [on NBC's newscast] ... who would take it the most personally and be the most apologetic for it, who would bleed because somebody got a graphic wrong and combined two states, or called South Dakota North Dakota. It was not his mistake -- he would assume responsibility for it,' Olbermann said."
It will be interesting to see exactly what road Lack takes later this year, when he has to decide whether or not to risk backlash by bringing Williams back. In the meantime, Lester Holt is filling in on NBC Nightly News and, by all accounts, he is doing an excellent job. Not only is he keeping the network first in the evening news race, but the ratings have actually increased on his watch. Five months from now, it may be harder to replace the always solid Holt with Williams. Plus, NBC staffers really like him and would like to see him promoted permanently to the top anchor seat on NBC.
As other insiders have begun weighing in on Williams's fate, what are your thoughts? Should the network bring him back? Tell us in the comments section below.
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