‘A Loss Of Trust’ – UM Radio/TV Chair Comments On Suspension Of NBC Anchor Brian Williams [YouTube]

When NBC anchor Brian Williams was suspended for six months after lying about incidents he claimed to have experienced while covering both the the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina, America experienced a loss of trust in those who deliver the news on television. 

Chair of the University of Montana Radio/TV Department, Denise Dowling said less than 24 hours after his suspension, that Williams violated the trust of his employers and his viewers because of his statements.

"Brian Williams is one of the most trusted people, was one of the most trusted people on the planet," Dowling said. "He had a reputation for being 'one of the good guys,' and was always seen as a straight shooter. When you know that broadcast journalists have a problem with reputations because we do have many purveyors of news in the broadcast forman who are less than truthful, and Brian was always seen as one who was above board, and brought truthful information to people,"

Dowling said Williams' suspension is a great teaching moment for her students in the Radio/TV department.

"One of the things we tell our students is that they have to be truthful in everything they do," she said. "In journalism, all you have is your reputation. Any small breach of that trust will come back to haunt you. So, it's just a reinforcement of the code of ethics that journalists abide by to tell the truth and not to exaggerate or 'mis-remember', of whatever the term they're using, in that you have nothing but your reputation, and you've got to protect it."

Dowling said the actions of NBC News management have helped to reinforce how important truth in journalism is to their organization.

This is a unique time for broadcast news, because the February sweeps are underway, and Dowling feels that if the ratings rise while Williams is gone, NBC management may be able to take away some positives.

"I feel they have bought themselves some time and they're going to investigate and see the depth of the problem," Dowling said.