Good morning, Paula. Brian Williams broke the news not on his broadcast, but on the internet -- a personal note posted at the NBC News website stating “It has become painfully apparent to me that I’m not too much a part of the news due to my actions.”

 

A word tonight about our colleague Brian Williams -- you may know he’s been under scrutiny this past week over his recollection of certain stories he’s covered. 

 

“I made a mistake in recalling the events of 12 years ago.” 

 

Williams had already apologized on air for a nightly news story that falsely claimed he had come under fire in Iraq. William’s rationalized his mistake this way:

 

“This was a bungled attempt by me to thank one special veteran and by extension, our brave military men and women, veterans everywhere…”

 

It did not quiet the critics. Parodies posted online with the hash tag #Brian Williams misremembers# for making fun of his claims that he misremembered being on a helicopter hit by Iraq propelled grenade, photo shopping Williams like Walter Middy into all sorts of news events he's never covered. 

 

“This is NBC nightly news with Brian Williams.”

 

Now, America's most prominent newsman is having his ever utterance fact-checked online. The whole ordeal disappoints many viewers. Among them, one of the flight engineers from that original mission. 

 

“What I don't understand what was the purpose? Who got the most out of that?”

 

On Friday, NBC News launched its own internal investigation, the news division president telling the staff “We're working on what the best next steps are.” Williams insists he'll be back, posting on NBC’s website Saturday: “…Upon my return, I will continue my career-long effort to be worthy of the trust of those who place their trust in us.”

 

Well, after his on-air apology Wednesday, Williams had sought to move on, business as usual. But it's become crystal clear this is not. It's a voluntary step on his part as managing editor, no return date set. And in the meantime, Lester Holt’s gonna fill in, Paula. 

 

Sensitive story for sure, David, thank you.