Brian Williams, the anchor of the "NBC Nightly News," who earlier this month marked 10 years in that chair, told the Los Angeles Times Monday he has signed a "long-term" deal to stay.
Neither Williams nor NBC would confirm the length of the deal, but the Times reported it is "at least" five years for more than $10 million a year.
Under Williams, who took over a decade ago from Tom Brokaw, "NBC Nightly News" has averaged slightly more than 9 million viewers a night this year.
It has been the most-watched broadcast network evening newscast for 273 consecutive weeks.
David Muir's "World News Tonight" on ABC has been challenging NBC, however, among advertiser-coveted younger viewers.
Muir's newscast, which features more and shorter stories, has been No. 1 with 25- to 54-year-olds for much of the last three months.
"CBS Evening News" with Scott Pelley has also gained in viewers, though it remains third.
There have been reports lately that Williams has been among the NBC veterans unhappy with new News President Deborah Turness, part of whose mandate is to boost the digital operation.
NBC News president Deborah Turness sent out the following memo this morning:
I’m thrilled to let you know that Brian Williams has renewed his commitment to NBC News, and will continue to lead NBC Nightly News and serve as our Managing Editor for years to come.
Brian is one of the most trusted journalists of our time. He has led this organization through every major news event for the last decade, from Hurricane Katrina in his first year in the anchor chair to his exclusive interview with Edward Snowden this year, through elections, wars, natural disasters, tragedies and triumphs. In all of those cases he’s taken Nightly News’s viewers to the heart of the stories that matter most in a way that’s uniquely his.
That’s why millions of Americans invite him into their homes every night. They know Brian, his values, his continuing recognition of everyday heroes, and they trust him to help them make sense of the world.
Under Brian’s leadership, Nightly has solidified its position as America’s most watched news broadcast, and is off to its best start of the season in nine years. His deep connection with viewers extends beyond the broadcast to his leading of our breaking news events, his primetime specials and the Nightly offerings on digital and social media. In this changing news and media environment, that special trust in Brian is more important than ever, and therefore wherever Brian is, the audience follows.
A few weeks ago we celebrated Brian’s 10 remarkable years in the anchor chair with the theme, “he’s been there, he’ll be there.” You will have seen the promos across our network, but in celebration of this milestone we cut a special, longer edit – I wanted to share it with you [video below].
Today is another very proud day for all of us at NBC News. Please join me in congratulating Brian and in looking forward to a shared future together.
Deborah
