Brian Williams back in new MSNBC role
Without fanfare, apology or comment about his recent troubles, Brian Williams returned to television as a news anchor Tuesday for the first time in seven months as he led MSNBC’s coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S.
The former anchor of “NBC Nightly News” took over the chair in MSNBC’s studio on the third floor of NBC headquarters at Rockefeller Center at 3 p.m. EDT as cameras fixed on Joint Base Andrews outside of Washington, awaiting the arrival of the Alitalia jet carrying the pope. Almost immediately, Williams started crosstalk about the event as it unfolded on the screen with Chris Jansing and other NBC News correspondents covering the event.
Williams made no mention of his new role as anchor of MSNBC’s breaking news coverage or any reference to his suspension by the network after false statements he made on and off the air about his 2003 reporting on the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Williams, who first succeeded Tom Brokaw as “NBC Nightly News” anchor in December 2008, was officially removed from the evening news anchor chair in June. Lester Holt took over the program and has returned it to its status as the most watched network evening newscast.
While Williams’ new role is clearly a demotion, he is the core of MSNBC’s new commitment to breaking news coverage during the day that fully integrates the on-air talent and resources of NBC News.
Williams was largely straightforward in his approach on Tuesday. He became more relaxed as the coverage went along, and even returned to breezy banter he has been known to interject in his coverage when the pope drove off in a modest Fiat 500 sedan amid a motorcade of limousines and SUVs. Williams referred to the pope’s vehicle as a “Mr. Bean car,” a reference to the British TV sitcom character played by Rowan Atkinson.
Williams is scheduled to resume MSNBC’s coverage of the pope’s visit today.
Strait has new album, Las Vegas gig
Country music king George Strait may have quit touring last year, but he’s not done singing or performing.
During a press conference Tuesday, it was announced that Strait is releasing a new album, “Cold Beer Conversation,” on Friday and that he’ll play a series of shows at the new Las Vegas Arena when it opens in 2016.
The country music legend ended four decades of touring with his record-setting “Cowboy Rides Away” tour, but has said he’ll continue to play the occasional gig and has a deal with MCA to produce additional records. “Cold Beer Conversation” will be available at iTunes, on Apple Music and at Wal-Mart stores.
Strait will play Las Vegas starting on April 22-23 and again on Sept. 9-10.
The birthday bunch
Singer Julio Iglesias is 72. Actor Paul Petersen (TV: “The Donna Reed Show”) is 70. Actress-singer Mary Kay Place is 68. Rock star Bruce Springsteen is 66. Actor Jason Alexander is 56. Singer Ani DiFranco is 45.