Lester Holt named permanent anchor of NBC’s ‘Nightly News’

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NEW YORK (AP) — NBC News says that Brian Williams will not return to his job as “Nightly News” anchor, but will remain anchor breaking news reports at the cable network MSNBC.

Williams was suspended in February for falsely claiming he had been in a helicopter hit by enemy fire during the Iraq War. NBC launched an internal investigation that turned up other instances where Williams embellished or misrepresented his experiences, frequently during appearances on talk shows. Before his swift tumble, Williams was arguably the most powerful on-air personality in television news.

Lester Holt, who has been subbing for Williams since the suspension, will take over the job full-time.

Read the network’s official statement below: 

Lester has done outstanding work for NBC News over the last ten years, and he’s performed remarkably well over the last few months under very tough circumstances,” Lack said. “He’s an exceptional anchor who goes straight to the heart of every story and is always able to find its most direct connection to the everyday lives of our audience. In many ways, television news stands at a crossroads, and Lester is the perfect person to meet the moment.

Lester Holt’s reaction: 

This is an enormous honor. The respect and admiration I have for the Nightly News team has only grown deeper over the last several months that we’ve been together. Day-in and day-out under an uncomfortable spotlight they have produced world-class journalism. I’m very proud and grateful to be part of such an unflappable and dedicated team of professionals as we move forward together.

NBC, which had signed Williams to a new five-year contract last fall, had been negotiating his new role over the past few weeks.

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