CNN: Williams staying at NBC, but not as anchor

NEW YORK (WOOD) – Brian Williams will return to NBC following the end of his suspension, CNN is reporting, but he will not continue to anchor “NBC Nightly News.”

Citing people with knowledge of the situation, the Wednesday report from CNN says that Williams has reached a deal that will keep him at NBC. The report said Williams’ new role is known only by a few NBC executives.

In February, Williams was suspended without pay for six months after it became apparent he had lied about being inside a military helicopter that took enemy fire while reporting from Iraq in 2003. Williams apologized, saying he “misremembered” the incident, but the damage to his public image had already been done. His suspension will be over in August.

CNN says NBC could make an official announcement regarding Williams as early as Thursday.

It’s unclear who will take over the “NBC Nightly News” job Williams had held since December 2004. Lester Holt has been at the anchor desk since Williams was suspended.