Andrew Lack returns to NBC News as chairman

NBC News is hoping that a familiar face from the past will help lift it out of the recent Brian Williams scandal and other poorly handled moves. As rumored, Andrew Lack is coming back as chairman of NBC News and MSNBC.

Earlier this week, it was rumored that Lack was already in talks to replace current NBC News and MSNBC chairman Pat Fili-Krushel, who had only taken the role in 2012.

NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke officially announced Lack as the next chairman in a memo, which was published at TheWrap this morning. Lack will begin the new job next month and will report directly to Burke.

Lack, 67, was NBC News President from 1993 to 2001, one of the best eras in NBC News’ history. During his tenure, The Today Show and NBC Nightly News became the top-rated news programs, notes The LA Times. In 2001, he was promoted to president of NBC, but left in 2003.

“Andy’s experience and familiarity with our company and specifically the news division will be critical to our growth and future success,” Burke said.

Fili-Krushel did not come from a journalism background and was hired just as Today began losing ground to ABC’s Good Morning America in the ratings. Just as that was happening, there was the messy departure of Ann Curry from Today, along with the sudden decision to push David Gregory off Meet The Press. Then, NBC Nightly News anchor Williams was suspended for six months for a fabricated Iraq War story.

image from NBCNews.com

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