Lester Holt Named Permanent ‘Nightly News’ Anchor; Brian Williams Moves To MSNBC

NBC announced Thursday that Lester Holt will assume the role of permanent anchor for the NBC Nightly News, replacing Brian Williams, who was suspended in February.

NBC News and MSNBC chairman Andy Lack issued the following statement: "Today we are announcing that Lester Holt will become the permanent anchor of Nightly News. As you all know, 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. Please join me in congratulating him and wishing him great success."

"This is an enormous honor," said Holt. "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."

Meanwhile, Williams will stay with the network, but his role will be significantly different. "Brian Williams will take on a new role anchoring breaking news for MSNBC," said Lack. He will assume his new duties in mid-August.

Williams was suspended from his anchor job after the network investigated some exaggerated claims he made about reporting during the Iraq War. "I'm sorry. I said things that weren't true," said Williams in a statement. "I let down my NBC colleagues and our viewers, and I'm determined to earn back their trust. I will greatly miss working with the team on Nightly News, but I know the broadcast will be in excellent hands with Lester Holt as anchor. I will support him 100 percent as he has always supported me. I am grateful for the chance to return to covering the news. My new role will allow me to focus on important issues and events in our country and around the world, and I look forward to it."

Source: Eonline.com