NBC “Nightly News” anchor Brian Williams hosted this year’s Lincoln Awards in January for military families, but when the show airs on television Friday night, Williams won’t be seen.
The suspended newsman was edited out of the show and was replaced by First Lady Michelle Obama for when it airs on PBS.
Williams was suspended by NBC in February after Williams admitted that he had falsely claimed to be in a helicopter that was shot down in Iraq. The network is investigating other possible exaggerations by Williams.
Cappy McGarr, the manager of McM Interests and co-founder of the Lincoln Awards, declined to say who first raised the subject of removing Williams from the show.
“PBS and the executive producers and Brian Williams mutually agreed” that the anchor should be edited out of the show, McGarr told CNNMoney.
The show was taped at the Kennedy Center in January. While Williams introduced many of the guests, actor Alec Baldwin narrated much of the show. Mrs. Obama later taped an introduction that will be shown when the program airs.
Among the honorees are rocker Bruce Springsteen for the songs he has dedicated to veterans and the concert proceeds he has donated to veteran causes, and Dean Kamen, who developed the Luke Arm, a prosthetic device for veterans.
Williams’ future has not been decided by NBC. His suspension lasts until August.