Brian Williams Suspended From NBC for 6 Months.

NBC has suspended Brian Williams for 6 months for "misrepresenting."  The word "lie" is not one easily used.

Please consider that in the past decade since first floating the lie and then repeating it, without the ability to keep the story straight due to it not originating from experiential language. NBC workers who were with Williams have remained silent.  It is very difficult to believe that they all remained silent, independent of one another, as Williams told and retold his lie.

This is the statement from NBC.  It is very likely that many more lies were told by Williams with the same common theme of him being a hero, survivor, brave man, and so on. Each statement seems to show not only a hero status, but the "front and center" of each story.  He finds a way to present himself, as central to a story, even when it appears the story is to praise another.  This is a narcissist who cannot help but favor himself above all others.  Even his apology sought to vaunt his own status.

Question:  Did NBC know and approve, via protection, of his lies?

This is an internal memo to NBC employees.

"All, 

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.  

While on Nightly News on Friday, January 30, 2015, Brian misrepresented events which occurred while he was covering the Iraq War in 2003. It then became clear that on other occasions Brian had done the same while telling that story in other venues. This was wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian’s position. 

Note:  

a.  "misrepresented" instead of "lied
b.  "then" shows a passage of time which may be unnecessary.  How would NBC not know of exactly what happened in 2003 since a NBC crew was with him?  
c.  This was "wrong" is not necessary to say, but it is then that we have not only "inappropriate" but "completely" inappropriate specifically for "someone in Brian's position."  Is this to say that it is not "completely inappropriate" for someone who does not hold Brian's position?  Did this NBC executive know?
Did NBC protect the lies?

In addition, we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC News while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field. 

Note that the "experiences in the field" are not identified.  

As Managing Editor and Anchor of Nightly News, Brian has a responsibility to be truthful and to uphold the high standards of the news division at all times. 

Note that "truthful" is strong by itself, yet added is to "uphold the high standards of the news division" is specified for "all times."  Why would this be necessary to add "at all times"?  Would there be a time that "upholding" not be a responsibility?

Steve Burke, Pat Fili and I came to this decision together. 

when the word "together" is used when it is not necessary, it is an indication that there was a lack of togetherness at some point.  By using the names, the subject could have written,
"Steve Burk, Pat Fili and I made this decision", instead "came" is used, along with "together", indicating dissent.  

We felt it would have been wrong to disregard the good work Brian has done and the special relationship he has forged with our viewers over 22 years. Millions of Americans have turned to him every day, and he has been an important and well-respected part of our organization. 

Before, it was "wrong" but here, they only "felt" it would have been wrong to disregard the good work...

As I’m sure you understand, this was a very hard decision. Certainly there will be those who disagree. But we believe this suspension is the appropriate and proportionate action. 

"I'm sure you understand" is the same as "of course" where one wants something accepted without question.  Yet there are many questions regarding the responsibility to broadcast news truthfully, which has not been done. 

This has been a difficult time. But NBC News is bigger than this moment. You work so hard and dedicate yourselves each and every day to the important work of bringing trusted, credible news to our audience. 
Note the news is to be "trusted, credible" rather than "bringing the news", presupposing truth. 


Because of you, your loyalty, your dedication, NBC News is an organization we can – and should - all be proud of. We will get through this together. 

The unnecessary word "all" is added which reveals that it is very likely that employees have made their opinions heard, specifically about being proud of being NBC employees.  

Steve Burke asked me to share the following message. 

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

The past tense, "we gathered" is different than the above ongoing investigation.  

By his actions, Brian has jeopardized the trust millions of Americans place in NBC News. 

note "jeopardized" and not "broken"

What are NBC intentions?  He is not terminated and there is an expectation of his return: 

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.” 



Deborah