Brian Williams’ “Mis-Remembering” Will Cost Him $5 Million, Suspended By NBC For 6 Months

Having signed a new five-year contract in December reported to be worth $10 million a year, Brian Williams – the mis-remembering NBC News anchor – has been suspended by the network for six months without pay this evening, according to The NY Times. NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke remarked, “by his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate.”

Jon Stewart leaving. Brian Williams looking for work. It’s almost TOO obvious, isn’t it.

— God (@TheTweetOfGod) February 11, 2015

As The NY Times reports,

Brian Williams, the embattled NBC news anchor whose credibility plummeted after he acknowledged exaggerating his role in a helicopter incident in Iraq, was suspended for six months without pay, the network said Tuesday night.

Lester Holt will continue to substitute for Mr. Williams now, but finding a permanent successor will be a major problem for the network, which was not anticipating having to replace the anchor of its “Nightly News’’ broadcast for some time. 

In December, Mr. Williams signed a new five-year contract reported to be worth $10 million a year.

Politico has managed to get a copy of the internal NBC Memo,

We have decided today to suspend Brian Williams as Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News for six months. The suspension will be without pay and is effective immediately. We let Brian know of our decision earlier today. Lester Holt will continue to substitute Anchor the NBC Nightly News.

Our review, which is being led by Richard Esposito working closely with NBCUniversal General Counsel Kim Harris, is ongoing, but I think it is important to take you through our thought process in coming to this decision.

As Huffington Post reports, NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke released the following statement:

“This has been a painful period for all concerned and we appreciate your patience while we gathered the available facts.

By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. His actions are inexcusable and this suspension is severe and appropriate. Brian’s life’s work is delivering the news.

I know Brian loves his country, NBC News and his colleagues. He deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him. Brian has shared his deep remorse with me and he is committed to winning back everyone’s trust.”

Roughly translated as…

*  *  *

And The Apology…