Brian Williams From NBC Career Implosion? Thoughts about this Lying Journalist..

[TUFCAT]

NBC News anchor Brian Williams told a grand tale to his viewers, interviewers, and talk-show hosts about riding in an Army helicopter over occupied Baghdad when it was struck and forced to land by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Its been proven he was riding in a different Chinook helicopter that wasn't struck by anything! He has now admitted his story was a complete fabrication (told in different forms over the course of nearly 12 years).

Even his apology is tainted with misinformation.

I would not have chosen to make this mistake," Williams said. "I don't know what screwed up in my mind that caused me to conflate one aircraft with another."

Williams asserted that he had simply misremembered which aircraft, in a formation of three Chinooks, had been carrying him over Iraq when one of them encountered enemy fire—that he was close to, but not physically located within, the helicopter hit by an RPG.

Your thoughts.....

[RallyeMike]

The national news on the big three with 1 or 2 relevant 60 second blurbs followed by 28 minutes of medical product commercials and useless human interest and entertainment news is an absolute joke and a national embarrassment. Of course, that's what America wants - to be spared from real news, facts and information. Entertain us!

He's well suited for the position.

[TUFCAT]

Not to kick him in his crooked face while he's down but....

He's not worthy to be called a journalist.  Williams didn't just "misremember" anything, but he lied for personal and professional gain.

Here's the problem.  Williams tells a good convincing story.  In the process of telling this story over the years, he's embellished it....... sometimes to make it better, and sometimes because he just believes those embellishments are true.  Some journalists are really just good story tellers....and Storytellers tell...stories.

[68X426]

He's no Dan Rather.

Now there was a first rate liar.

[Mopar Nut]

Glad to hear Brian Williams suspended for 6 months.

[TUFCAT]

It's a little sad to watch someone's journalistic integrity go down the drain....but if you wanted to entertain us rather than report news, he could have gotten a job on a daytime talk show.

Let's face facts: not recalling details of what happened is one thing, but to embellish the hell out of those events?? — that's pretty unethical.  Mr. Williams needs to hold himself to the same standard of honesty and accuracy of reporting that "he seems to hold everyone else" to.

So what if he get's fired.  There's at least 50 qualified people who could start his job tomorrow

[Steve P.]

I miss Walter Cronkite.

[stripedelete]

Pathological.  

Not all sociopaths become serial killers.  Just as many become CEOs.  Or,,,,, news anchors.

[moparnation74]

Not to kick him in his crooked face while he's down but....

He's not a journalist befitting his position.

Brian Williams did not misremember anything.  He lied for personal and professional gain.

The problem is Williams tells a good convincing story.....and in the process of telling it over the years, he's embellished it, sometimes to make it a better story, and sometimes because he now believes those embellishments.  Some journalists are just good story tellers....and Storytellers tell...stories.

Well stated!

Williams embraced his position and wanted a type of respect and notoriety in society.  To retire as one of those famous reporters that made their mark and to be one for the history books.  He could not separate fact from fiction and his pride and self esteem got the best of him.  He believed in his mind that no one would ever question anything he claimed to be involved in.  Never gave it a second thought until it happened.  

Sad for all of his followers and the network.  What an embarrassment.

Goes to show you can lie sometimes, lie once and awhile, lie all the time BUT eventually the truth will come out.  Always does.

[TUFCAT]

Pathological.  

Not all sociopaths become serial killers.  Just as many become CEOs.  Or,,,,, news anchors.

Stripedelete nailed it.  Pathalogical.

I think once a "journalist " speaks or pens a story whether true, false, or indifferent..... they actually become in love with that story and hang onto it forever.

And once you get to a certain level of fame like Williams, the brain must go "f#ck it I am untouchable""....and how could anyone ever dispute my facts!

The problem for this guy was the people around him....

So here's untouchable Brian Williams flying around on a helicopter with other heros from our armed forces.  One of the things that's sure to stick in their mind is that they had to ferry around this Primadonna news prick, ....wouldn't it be reasonable to assume the other servicemen and women might get mad when he lies about being shot down and WANT TO CALL HIS ASS  OUT!!?

[TUFCAT]

Sad for all of his followers and the network.  What an embarrassment.

Goes to show you can lie sometimes, lie once and awhile, lie all the time BUT eventually the truth will come out.  Always does.

Like MN74 says, there's always somebody out there who know a little bit more information than you do, and those people will usually talk.  

That's exactly what bites a person's credibility in the ass.  Its usually impossible to recover from a "journalistic lie"..... once its been uncovered as a falsehood.

[ACUDANUT]

 Another liar trying to be a hero.  Sounds like John Kerry

[TUFCAT]

Another liar trying to be a hero.  Sounds like John Kerry

I never expected this to become political so please only post about lying journalists (Brian Williams in particular)  - and let's not cross the line into politics.  

Only journalists are fair game here....  

[TUFCAT]

Its such a strange feeling when we find out that some journalists are actually liars....

Take Bob Woodruff for example. He was one of the most trusted NBC news journalists of our time....and he risked his life for us until he was unfortunately injured when his tank was shot at by an IUD.  I would still much rather have him in the broadcast chair than BW

Now we're getting our news from a guy who hops into the tanning booth before every Evening News broadcast.

[1970Moparmann]

Story teller..... Sad how he lost his credibility.   He dug his own grave!

[TUFCAT]

Story teller..... Sad how he lost his credibility.   He dug his own grave!

Very true.....he dug his own grave.

But what makes it worse is that Brian Williams (like many other journalists) actually covered some real disasters and gave reports during some very serious and grave situations throughout his career.

He was faced plenty of credibility-building dangers in these environments, but unwisely chose to fabricate a complete lie..... using colorful details to perpetuate and "sell his story" ....all of the while, getting the public to believe him.  

[ws23rt]

I worked with a guy over a period of years (20+) that had a reputation for telling stories/lies.
In the circle of people that knew him, all agreed he embellished his stories.

In the last years I knew him the stories he told became bigger than physics could justify and his commitment to the stories hardened. It became clear to all of us that knew him that he truly believed he lived his lies.

This may be what a pathological lie is.---One that the teller does not know is not true---

I'm not proposing Brian is that but it could be something close to it.

I tend to agree with others here that his creditability grew bigger in his own mind.  And when he spoke the idea that he would be questioned was not part of his world.

Why he doesn't come completely clean on this tells me he is trying to figure how to lie his way out of this mess.

[TUFCAT]

It very sad that we have to fact check so many of our "journalists" these days...

(even automotive journalists)

This guy was a glorified newsreader who was getting paid as the flag bearer of NBC's news division.

NBC should beat on him like a piñata until he has no choice but to take an obscure local job in Dodge City, Kansas.

No offense to the nice people in Dodge City, KS.....as I think you deserve better. 

[Old Moparz]

The national news on the big three with 1 or 2 relevant 60 second blurbs followed by 28 minutes of medical product commercials and useless human interest and entertainment news is an absolute joke and a national embarrassment. Of course, that's what America wants - to be spared from real news, facts and information. Entertain us!

He's well suited for the position.

 Well said.


Nothing says "I need to make up some serious bullshit to make some serious money" like stupid salaries.  

http://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/top-10-highest-paid-news-anchors/142101

Matt Lauer (Today): $21.5 million
Bill O'Reilly (The O'Reilly Factor): $15 million
Brian Williams (NBC Nightly News): $13 million
Diane Sawyer (ABC World News): $12 million
Anderson Cooper (Anderson Cooper 360 and Anderson Live): $11 million
Shepard Smith (The Fox Report) $8 million
Robin Roberts (Good Morning America) $6 million
Joe Scarborough (Morning Joe) $6 million
Scott Pelley (CBS Evening News) $4 million
Nancy Grace (Nancy Grace) $3 million

Follow the money. There is no way possible that any integrity comes with any of the talking heads in the above list. There are only 6 major media companies that own most of the commercial networks with "news" on them so you're only going to be told what these major corporations want you to hear. You'll be told this news by the pretty face that marketing studies have proven to be the most likeable, most trustworthy, smiling face.

By the way, your bubble might burst when you see who is a part owner of FOX.  

[ws23rt]

I miss Walter Cronkite.

I do too   I'm old enough to remember looking forward to his broadcasts. He was like a grandfather that could only speak things that were true. If something big was happening/unfolding he would tell us just that. He would say I/we don't know instead of making up something.  Truth in the news was a big deal back then.  

It seams like the news today is more of an entertainment program than a window on the world as it really is. Spinning the news has become so normal that it may not be possible for any one to be believed.

We do need a place for just the facts please.  

[68X426]

Story teller..... Sad how he lost his credibility.   He dug his own grave!

And unfortunately he'll spend his months off writing a book about the trauma of it all.  Some big city publisher will drop a few million on him and then he'll tour the tv talk shows being glorified for "coming clean".  Finally it's Oprah time and then he's even more "famous" and more rich.





 

[Ghoste]

It makes Ron Burgundy seem real.  It doesn't begin or end with the tv hosts either, radio and print have legions of these guys also who "embellish" the facts or in some cases just make them up outright.  Look at all the bogus "news" stories we see on here even from nonsensical Top Ten car lists to magazine writers who later admit never even driving the vehicle they report on.
Which is all getting offside on the topic of course since a "respected" journalist lying about a car is hardly on the same level as Brian Williams going on the air internationally (satellite tv folks) and pretending he took fire in a helicopter.  Also sad to think that being in the war zone in the first place had somehow become not good enough to a reporter. 

[Mike DC]

 

The era of respectable reporters will probably die along with the era of respectable news. 


Respectable even-handed news has been a temporary thing, historically speaking.  There is far more money to be made in feeding extreme opinions than reasonable ones. 

[TUFCAT]

Hey,....Brian Williams just remembered something else! 

[Ghoste]

Do you think they had the same discussions about the olde towne criers back in the day.  Sitting in the dark tavern with the other malcontents swilling a fine pewter mug of ale or mead or something and plotting to run the crier out of town for making up some story about pigs?

[ODZKing]

Like Nixon, do you think he is the ONLY one to ever do something like this?
I worked at a station with a huge news department for many years, this "embellishing" the news and twisting the facts happens all the time. Simple headlines are twisted to get you to read the story and the you realize it wasn't what you thought at all.
It's all about the money machine my friends. If it bleeds, it leads as they used to say. I don't think they'll ever hear a newscaster come on and say "nothing going on today, here's a Tom & Jerry cartoon.   

[TUFCAT]

I'm really not surprised by his suspension...but what's the plans for NBC??  Bring him back?

This douche always seemed smarmy and weirdly impressed by his own self image and "out of touch" with everyday folks....he was way to interested in his own superiority issues.

[ODZKing]

An interview I saw on CNN siad basically NBC issues a statement saying he "deserves a second chance" but between the lines they mean a second chance but not with NBC.
In short he won't be back in August.

I'm really not surprised by his suspension...but what's the plans for NBC??  Bring him back?

This douche always seemed smarmy and weirdly impressed by his own self image and "out of touch" with everyday folks....he was way to interested in his own superiority issues.

[moparnation74]

An interview I saw on CNN siad basically NBC issues a statement saying he "deserves a second chance" but between the lines they mean a second chance but not with NBC.
In short he won't be back in August.

I'm really not surprised by his suspension...but what's the plans for NBC??  Bring him back?

This douche always seemed smarmy and weirdly impressed by his own self image and "out of touch" with everyday folks....he was way to interested in his own superiority issues.

Second chance, lol.  Why is it these high profile people with massive incomes, can move around so easily?
Example.  A competitor hospitals CEO vowed for that facility to overcome our facility.  At a point our CEO retired and that previous guy I mentioned left his and became our CEO.  Preaching the opposite.  After a year and his shananagans he was fired.  Then moved on as a CEO at another hospital in a different state.  It is baffling how these people get shuffled around.

[stripedelete]

I agree.  A suspension takes it out of the news cycle.  In the fall they will announce his release with some terrorist attack or oil spill.

While I agree the news media in general is far to involved in making the news, this situation is was all about Brian.   If he were in another line of work his resume would be bogus.  He would be claiming other's accomplishments, non existent training, or degrees, etc.   His golf score would, or probably is,   always artificially low etc.

I worked with a guy like this.  He presented well.   He didn't care who his lies harmed.  He was promoted on lies.  It was years before they caught up to him.   He was a true sociopath.


And let not forget:

"It's not a lie if you believe it",  George Costanza     

[moparnation74]

I agree.  A suspension takes it out of the news cycle.  In the fall they will announce his release with some terrorist attack or oil spill.

While I agree the news media in general is far to involved in making the news, this situation is was all about Brian.   If he were in another line of work his resume would be bogus.  He would be claiming other's accomplishments, non existent training, or degrees, etc.   His golf score would, or probably is,   always artificially low etc.

I worked with a guy like this.  He presented well.   He didn't care who his lies harmed.  He was promoted on lies.  It was years before they caught up to him.   He was a true sociopath.


And let not forget:

"It's not a lie if you believe it",  George Costanza     

Great points!  Especially, the sociopath part!

[TUFCAT]

Costanza was great! 

[el dub]

NBC, liberal crap. Brian Williams, its what happens when you lie. I believe a liar is also a thief and a cheat.

[ACUDANUT]

Like Nixon, do you think he is the ONLY one to ever do something like this?
I worked at a station with a huge news department for many years, this "embellishing" the news and twisting the facts happens all the time. Simple headlines are twisted to get you to read the story and the you realize it wasn't what you thought at all.
It's all about the money machine my friends. If it bleeds, it leads as they used to say. I don't think they'll ever hear a newscaster come on and say "nothing going on today, here's a Tom & Jerry cartoon.  

[/b][/b]
[/b] Another liar trying to be a hero.  Sounds like John Kerry
[/quote]


I never expected this to become political so please only post about lying journalists (Brian Williams in particular)  - and let's not cross the line into politics.  

Only journalists are fair game here....  


[/quote]


I guess this does not apply to all.

[keith88]

What is the big deal Fox news Lies about EVERYTHING all the time and no one even seems to care, Little one sided if you ask me...should he not have said it ..sure but to have everyone tear him up and spit him out is BS when a news agency like fox news can get away with the sh__ they do!!!!

[ACUDANUT]

 I trust Fox, over CNN or MSBN.

[stripedelete]

What is the big deal Fox news Lies about EVERYTHING all the time and no one even seems to care, Little one sided if you ask me...should he not have said it ..sure but to have everyone tear him up and spit him out is BS when a news agency like fox news can get away with the sh__ they do!!!!

I agree with you about Fox.  It's frightening how many drink the FOX Kool-Aid straight up.  Especially women.

If you can stand her way far left position, Rachel Maddaw, MSNBC, does a good job of calling out FOX. 

[keith88]

 Sorry, You are not a very smart person Its been proven many times that they lie and sway there news for there own agenda like noone else.

[Cooter]

See my problem is......with all this sudden stolen valor. You didn't see nobody lying to claim they were in the Vietnam war when those guys/gals came back. It's a slap in the face to all who served there, but this is a kick in the nuts.

[keith88]

He didn't lie about being there ,he lied about being in the chopper that was hit. Could have just as easily been his. And he was giving our military full credit for helping him to where he was going.

[ACUDANUT]

Sorry, You are not a very smart person Its been proven many times that they lie and sway there news for there own agenda like noone else.

Whatever.  Stick with your liberal media, and I stick with the truth. FOX

[keith88]

That's fine

[moparnation74]

I personally do not put much credit for news from any reporting outlet.  It is nothing more than reality TV shows.  The goal is mainly ratings and sponsors and at any cost.

[TUFCAT]

This reminds me a lot of the 4-door Barracuda concept story... written by Roger C. Johnson in some obscure magazine....called "Cars and Parts"

He worked as a mail-boy at Chrysler in 1969, and claims to have seen (what apprared to him ) as a running, driving, prototype 1970 Barracuda 4-door...painted red with Rallye wheels .

Now it might be hard for some to dispute his story on this one particular point (which was the only basis formed for his credibility). He claims he was in a position to sometimes be in "the right place" at some points to see bits and pieces of stuff he ("wasn't supposed to see")... and of course, he saw all the stuff everyone else would have seen who worked there.....like at least a thousand others might see in any given day at Chrysler's Highland Park Engineering complex.

Fast forward to him becoming a free lance journalst in the late 2000,s. He unwisely choses to fabricate a complete lie..... using some colorful details to describe a red 4-door Barracuda unicorn wearing rallye wheels (a running and driving prototype mind you....) that was seen only by him - - and nobody else on the planet.

Here's the problem with these supposed "journalists" - - and this dude claims to be an "Automotive Histrorian"    ....is that when their lies are published there's always someone out there who knows much more about the story than he claimed was true.....and these people will always talk.  

The story has been uncovered as a falsehood. If there was a single shred of credible evidence it would have found by now.

The sad part is that some people actually believe stuff without any interest in knowing whether its true.   Even if they had a gold plated road map to the truth....they wouldn't care to find out.  It was printed in a magazine - so it must be true!

For the record, this Roger C. Johnson is a legit freelance guy in the automotive world.  I'm pretty sure he realizes he never saw the car.....and wishes he never wrote the story.  But he will not come out and recant it.

Proper historical proof requires investigation and hard evidence.  When it never turns up, or is determined to be a big fat falsehood made-up story, credibility goes out the window. ....and the people "who were there" generally get pissed off.

....just like the brave soldiers that were on that Chinook helicopter with Brian Williams.

[el dub]

 

[moparnation74]

This reminds me a lot of the 4-door Barracuda concept story... written by Roger C. Johnson in some obscure magazine....called "Cars and Parts"

He worked as a mail-boy at Chrysler in 1969, and claims to have seen (wjhat apprared to him ) as a running, driving , protype 1970 Barracuda 4-door .

Now its hard to dispute his story one one particular point, which is the only basis for his credibility. He claims he was in a position to sometimes be in "the right place" at some points to see bits and pieces of stuff he ("wasn't supposed to see)... and of course, he saw all the stuff everyone else would have seen who worked there.....like at least a thousand others might see in any given day at Chrysler's Highland Park Engineering complex.

Fast forward to him becoming a free lance journalst in the late 2000,s. He unwisely choses to fabricate a complete lie..... using some colorful details to describe a unicoirn that was seen by him - - and nobody else on the planet.

The problem with these supposed "journalists" - - and this dude claims to be an "Automotive Histrorian"    ....is that when their lies are published there's always someone out there who knows much more about the story than he claimed was true.....and these people will always talk.  

The story has been uncovered as a falsehood. If there was a single shred of credible evidence it would have found by now.

The sad part is that some people actually believe stuff without any interest in knowing whether its true.   Even if they had a gold plated road map to the truth....they wouldn't care to find out.  It was printed in a magazine - so it must be true!

For the record, this Roger C. Johnson is a legit freelance guy in the automotive world.  I'm pretty sure he realizes he never saw the car.....and wishes he never wrote the story.  But he will not come out and recant it.

Proper historical proof requires investigation and hard evidence.  When it never turns up, or is determined to be a big fate falsehood made-up story, credibility goes out the window. ....and the people who were there generally get pissed.

That is a very good analogy to Brian Williams.  These two guys are sitting back now saying, "man I should have kept my mouth shut!"

Johnson is just like Williams, let me make my footprint in the automotive world by describing the Unicorn, four door barracuda.  Seen by a mail room clerk with no access   No pictures, no documents, no one else from Chrysler at that time to support that! 

That is the problem with people with these traits they just cannot stop.  The lie manifests and until it hits a head and the truth comes out they will defend it at any cost.

[Ponch ®]

Kinda sucks...I generally don't think much of mainstream journalists but I always thought this guy was pretty reliable and trustworthy.

I think the bigger point here is that if he made stuff up (and he was one of "the best"), it's safe to assume that other journalists have done/are doing the same things to promote themselves or a specific agenda.


Oh well, at least his daughter is hot.

[Old Moparz]

Whatever.  Stick with your liberal media, and I stick with the truth. FOX

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal owns a 7 percent stake in News Corp — the parent company of Fox News — making him the largest shareholder outside the family of News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch. Alwaleed has grown close with the Murdoch enterprise, recently endorsing James Murdoch to succeed his father and creating a content-sharing agreement with Fox News for his own media conglomerate, Rotana.

http://thinkprogress.org/media/2010/02/10/81482/right-rebels-foxnews/

[TUFCAT]

Oh well, at least his daughter is hot.

Maybe he's lying - and that's not really his daughter?       I'm betting she doesn't have his crooked nose either!    I'm also starting to wonder if William's saw a 4-door 'Cuda as well?

[ACUDANUT]

Let's remember one thing here. Who among here, have never said something, that wish we could take back.  I am one of those. 

[TUFCAT]

Let's remember one thing here. Who among here, have never said something, that wish we could take back.  I am one of those.  

I wonder if automotive "historian" and "journalist " Roger C. Johnson wants to take back what he wrote about the 4-door 'Cuda?

[keith88]

Let's remember one thing here. Who among here, have never said something, that wish we could take back.  I am one of those. 

I told yea Wrong place to get your news .. You are forgiven.

[moparnation74]

Let's remember one thing here. Who among here, have never said something, that wish we could take back.  I am one of those.  

I wonder if automotive "historian" and "journalist " Roger C. Johnson wants to take back what he wrote about the 4-door 'Cuda?

Very good question.  His comments on the 4 door cuds turned into a website documenting the restoration of this UNICORN.  The person who is restoring this car relies solely on Roger Johnson's testimony.  Seems like this "Mail Room" Unicorn creating "historian" saw the light at the end of the tunnel and believed no one would doubt him.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

[ws23rt]

I just watched the NBC news broadcast to see how they answered the questions many have about Brian's current issue.

I'm glad that at least they commented on it and asked to be believed from here on out.

What I wonder about is what is Brian thinking?  Also how would you/us/I  react forward from here if we were called out like this?

When someone is caught up in this sort of struggle with family and friends it is the same thing but with fewer affected.

Question---Would an open coming clean interview put this to bed?   Has he nothing more to gain from here by further comment?

I think it would be refreshing and of value for him to come cleaner than he has.  And the sooner the better especially while the issue is so fresh in everyone's mind.

Not intending to get political but there is good lesson for all that are in a position of power/respect.  One can't lie today and get away with it like the old days when information was not at our fingertips at great speed ---- with eight by ten color glossy photos--plaster tire tracks---and dog smelling prints etc. the public sees what perhaps even the liar doesn't see. 

[ACUDANUT]

Let's remember one thing here. Who among here, have never said something, that wish we could take back.  I am one of those. 

I told yea Wrong place to get your news .. You are forgiven.

I won't take back "watching Fox News". You never let up do you new guy. ?
Stick with your far left liberal media, but don't insult me. I fought for this Country. What have you done for your Country...I bet Nothing.

[Troy]

Whatever.  Stick with your liberal media, and I stick with the truth. FOX

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal owns a 7 percent stake in News Corp — the parent company of Fox News — making him the largest shareholder outside the family of News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch. Alwaleed has grown close with the Murdoch enterprise, recently endorsing James Murdoch to succeed his father and creating a content-sharing agreement with Fox News for his own media conglomerate, Rotana.

http://thinkprogress.org/media/2010/02/10/81482/right-rebels-foxnews/

An article from a far left news source is a perfect way to prove your point! Just FYI - that article is from 2010. The Prince sold off nearly all his shares. News Corp also owns the Wall Street Journal and I don't hear nearly as much lambasting of it as I do "FOX News". Not that I care - I don't read/watch any mainstream news - but it's funny to hear the arguments.

Oh, and this thing is already locked. I'd clean it up because it's basically due to a single person but I'm frankly not that energetic today.

Troy