Wake Forest Expert Says NBC Took Measured Approach to Brian Williams

If you're looking for commentary on Brian Williams’ return to MSNBC as an anchor of breaking news and special reports following his six-month suspension from NBC Nightly News, I'd like to suggest John Llewellyn of Wake Forest University. On handling a public persona’s fall from grace: “It seems like an unusually smart move by the corporation. It has upheld its principles and punished the wrongdoing without destroying a popular and long-serving representative of their network. He will still anchor the news, but in a different format. His replacement is also popular, thus helping the network with the essential mission of gaining viewers. NBC did not rush into this package of decisions; it has taken several months to investigate the issues and frame an appropriate and proportional response.” As Associate Professor of Communication at Wake Forest University, Llewellyn studies and teaches rhetoric, analyzing persuasive language from the nation’s most prominent politicians, coaches and civil rights leaders. He’s also an expert on the public figure apology. On dealing with a controversy/story that came to light because of social media: “In our 140-character world where public discourse seems to be driven to outlandish statements and extreme positions, NBC has taken the time to demonstrate thoughtful and balanced decision-making. The network has modeled a careful approach to controversy that we all would do well to emulate.”