“That is the top of a chapter and the start of one other,” Williams mentioned in an announcement. “There are a lot of issues I need to do, and I am going to pop up once more someplace.”
Williams expressed deep gratitude to NBC, saying the community “is part of me and all the time shall be.”
He’s about to change into a free agent for the primary time in many years.
For the previous 5 years, Williams has anchored “The eleventh Hour,” an end-of-the-day newscast and political discuss program. CNN Enterprise reported in August that his contract was expiring within the subsequent six months and that he needed to maneuver off the late-night hour.
Now he’s doing it. However he added in Tuesday’s assertion, “I ask all those that are part of our loyal viewing viewers to stay loyal. The eleventh Hour will stay in good palms, produced by the most effective group in cable information.”
Williams’ exit from NBC has an end-of-an-era really feel. He was a key participant within the launch of the MSNBC information channel in 1996, manning breaking information protection and a main time recap of the day. Then he grew to become considered one of America’s best-known newsmen throughout his decade on the helm of the “NBC Nightly Information,” one of many most-watched information packages within the US.
On cable, Williams was free to share extra of his persona and perspective. He was additionally on the desk for many of the largest moments of the Trump presidency.
In his assertion, Williams boiled down his time at NBC this manner: “28 years, 38 international locations, 8 Olympic video games, 7 Presidential elections, half a dozen Presidents, a number of wars, and one SNL.”
His impending departure comes after a interval of govt turnover at NBC Information. His longtime ally Andy Lack exited final yr.
“Good buddies had been in nice provide at NBC,” Williams mentioned Tuesday. “I used to be lucky that everybody I labored with made me higher at my job. I’ve had the most effective colleagues conceivable. That features nice bosses.”
A supply near Williams mentioned NBC did make Williams a brand new contract supply and declined to share the the reason why he handed on it. Williams framed the state of affairs this manner: “Following a lot reflection, and after 28 years with the corporate, I’ve determined to go away NBC upon the completion of my present contract in December.”
The supply mentioned there shall be no imminent announcement a few new position at one other media firm. (Information reviews this fall have speculated about him leaping to a brand new community.)
Williams has not held any formal discussions a few new place but, the supply added.
After saying he’ll “pop up once more someplace,” Williams indicated that he shall be savoring some downtime first: “For the following few months, I will be with my household, the individuals I like most and the individuals who enabled my profession to occur,” he mentioned. “I’ll replicate on the kindness individuals have proven me, and I’ll pay it ahead.”
