Its Official: Lester Holt Takes NBC Anchor Chair-Williams Takes "Shepard Smith Role" At MSNBC

Andrew Lack, Chairman of NBC News and MSNBC, made things official on Thursday as he announced that Lester Holt will be named the permanent anchor of "NBC Nightly News." and disgraced Brian Williams will be moving to MSNBC, in a role similar to that of Shepard Smith At Fox.

"Lester has done outstanding work for NBC News over the last ten years, and he's performed remarkably well over the last few months under very tough circumstances," Lack said. "He's an exceptional anchor who goes straight to the heart of every story and is always able to find its most direct connection to the everyday lives of our audience. In many ways, television news stands at a crossroads, and Lester is the perfect person to meet the moment."

Lester Holt said, "This is an enormous honor. The respect and admiration I have for the Nightly News team has only grown deeper over the last several months that we've been together. Day-in and day-out under an uncomfortable spotlight they have produced world-class journalism. I'm very proud and grateful to be part of such an unflappable and dedicated team of professionals as we move forward together."

When he comes back from his suspension Brian Williams, will join MSNBC as anchor of breaking news and special reports. "He will work with Mark Lukasiewicz, SVP of Special Reports for NBCU News Group, who will help lead a team to strengthen MSNBC's daytime coverage by further leveraging NBC News' expertise in breaking news. In addition, Williams will serve as a breaking news anchor for NBC News live special reports when Holt is not available."

On his return to NBC, Williams said: "I'm sorry. I said things that weren't true. I let down my NBC colleagues and our viewers, and I'm determined to earn back their trust. I will greatly miss working with the team on Nightly News, but I know the broadcast will be in excellent hands with Lester Holt as anchor. I will support him 100% as he has always supported me. I am grateful for the chance to return to covering the news. My new role will allow me to focus on important issues and events in our country and around the world, and I look forward to it."

 Williams will be interviewed on the Today Show Friday morning.