Brian Williams' days behind the anchor desk at "NBC Nightly News" are most likely done.
The disgraced newsman has not led that show's broadcast since Feb. 10, when he was suspended for lying about the details of a dramatic trip to Iraq in 2003. Lester Holt took the helm then, for what was supposed to be six months, the length of Williams' suspension, but, according to CNN, it is "increasingly clear" that the position is set to became a full-time gig for Holt.
When Williams' suspension ends he will either take a different position at the network or leave 30 Rockefeller Center for good, the report states.
"Either path leaves Holt in the anchor chair -- unless NBC surprises everyone and risks destabilizing the newscast by appointing a new anchor," CNN reports.
It is basically a done deal, as CNN's Brian Stetler writes "Calling that scenario (appointing a new anchor) exceedingly unlikely is an understatement"
Holt has handled the duties at "NBC Nightly News" quite well, all things considered. Despite the negative press the program and network received thanks to Williams' fall from grace, the show has mostly maintained its ratings. He also is respected in the newsroom.
"What I know from Lester is that he's making the best of a great situation in that he's anchoring five nights a week a national newscast. And anybody who has worked with Lester feels his leadership, but not in an 'I'm in charge here' kind of way,'" Mark Effron, who formerly ran the dayside news coverage at MSNBC, told CNN.
CNN reported last month that NBC was doing its best to try and find Williams a different job within the company. However, insiders said his return could "tarnish the network." It's still unclear if Williams will ever be employed by NBC again, let alone in such a prominent role as he once was, but he is still under contract for at least four more years, making about $10 million per, according to Variety.
Holt is in line for the promotion after handling the weekend duties for "Nightly News" and weekly segments of "Dateline." Very much like the public though, the anchor and his staff are not sure what the future of the show is.
"Holt and his producers are completely in the dark about what's going to happen with Williams and, by extension, with him," CNN reported. "But they can read the tea leaves like everyone else. NBC executives could have signaled that Williams is coming back -- but they haven't."
The whole situation will be resolved "very soon," NBC News chairman Andy Lack and NBC News president Deborah Turness said at an in-house company meeting last week.
