Brian Williams Back At NBC Despite 10 Embellishments? Anchor Won’t Leave Unless Fired, And NBC Chief Wants His Return

Brian Williams wants to return, and that possibility is encouraged by some back at NBC. But will his dreams of warming up that anchor seat come true? That’s the question that looms over Brian’s future, as he remains on suspension from the network after at least 10 reports of embellishments, according to the New York Daily News.

With Williams refusing to resign and instead digging in his heels and stating that he won’t leave unless he’s fired, Andrew Lack holds the news anchor’s fate in his hands. Chief of NBC News, Lack is seeking ways to allow Williams to return successfully, say insiders.

“Andy believes viewers want him (Williams) back,” the source said. “The feeling is that (Williams’) problem seems to be more with the media and other reporters than his viewers — if Andy can figure out a way to get him back on the air he will do it.”

Brian and Andy have been friends since Lack headed up the news division from 1993 to 2003. But although he believes in Williams, no decision will be made until the official investigation has ended.

As the Inquisitr reported, Lester Holt has served as the temporary anchor and surprised both NBC executives and media industry observers with his high ratings. During his second week replacing Brian, ratings increased by more than half a million viewers, according to the Daily Mail.

TV psychology expert Dr. Drew asked his viewers during his After-Show on social media to opine on whether they wanted to see Brian at the helm of the NBC Nightly News ship again.

“NBC found at least 10 ?#?BrianWilliams? embellishments — If he returns to TV, would you still accept him as ‘the news guy?'” asked Dr. Drew.

But responses varied dramatically, from those saying it’s soon to those favoring the return of the long-time NBC News personality.

However, NBC’s in-house internal probe is continuing, with 10 embellishments to date surfacing in his previous reports, according to CNN.

It’s now been nearly three months since Brian was suspended after serving as the NBC Nightly News anchor for a decade. Although his suspension initially was to end in August, Lester Holt has been anchoring the news in his place and some are pushing for Holt to stay on.

Several outcomes could result from the investigation. Brian could be allowed to return after apologizing. Or, if more exaggerations surface, NBC could enter negotiations with his lawyer to let him go.

New York University journalism professor Jay Rosen cautioned that if Brian does return, the impact on the staff’s morale could take its toll.

“They have to calculate the effect on morale and the rough statement they would be making (essentially, ‘your opinions don’t count’) to all the people in the news division who feel grave doubts and deep anger toward Williams,” warned Rosen. “Are they prepared to pay those costs? Maybe they are, I don’t know.”

[Photo By Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images]