NBC suspends star anchor Brian Williams for six months

NBC has suspended star news anchor Brian Williams for six months without pay after he admitted embellishing an Iraq war story, the US network said, amid swirling accusations that he exaggerated other reports.
The measure takes effect immediately, said NBC yesterday, which is under growing pressure to fire the 55-year-old Williams, who reportedly earns about USD 10 million a year and has scooped up more than two dozen industry awards during his glittering journalism career.
Williams' on-air "misrepresentation" of how he came under fire in Iraq in 2003 was "wrong and completely inappropriate for someone in Brian's position," Deborah Turness, president of NBC news, said in a statement on its website.

"We have decided 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."
NBC took action as it conducts an internal review into the embattled Williams' reporting.

NBCUniversal chief executive Steve Burke called Williams' actions "inexcusable," before adding: "He deserves a second chance and we are rooting for him."
Williams, who is watched by an estimated nine million Americans each night and is one of the most recognisable faces on US television, hauled himself off the air at the weekend for "several days."

He has admitted that the story about his dicing with death in Iraq in a helicopter was not true, after criticism from troops who were present at the time.
His on-air apology last week only fanned the flames, with critics refusing to accept Williams simply made an honest mistake.
Hinting at wider issues about Williams' reporting, amid claims he had exaggerated other stories, Turness added: "In addition, we have concerns about comments that occurred outside NBC news while Brian was talking about his experiences in the field.