Brian Williams to Return to Air on MSNBC Sept. 22

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Former NBC Nightly News host Brian Williams will begin his run at MSNBC Sept. 22, according to network executives.

MSNBC has said previously that Williams -- who was an anchor for MSNBC in the mid 2000s -- will serve as breaking news anchor for the cable news channel, although its unclear if he will actually appear on the network on his return date. His return to the air coincides with the U.S. visit of Pope Francis.

Last June MSNBC announced that Williams – who was initially suspended and then dropped from his anchor position at NBC's Nightly News after inaccurately recalling a story from the Iraq war – would return to the air in some capacity on MSNBC.

Williams joins a network that has been struggling in the ratings, although the network posted a 10% increase in viewership during the summer, according to Nielsen.

The announcement comes one day after former NBCU News chairman Patricia Fili-Krushel announced her departure from the company. 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.