Breaking: “Rock Center with Brian Williams” will finish its current run on June 21, then shut down production.
“While we’re disappointed with the news, we are very proud of the hard work that the ‘Rock Center’ team put into the program each week,” NBC News Group chief Pat Fili-Krushel wrote in a note to staff this afternoon. “Rock Center” was given a 3-year commitment when it launched in the Fall of 2011. When it comes to a close, it will have run for 20 months.
The show never caught on with viewers and was moved five times on the NBC schedule in its first year alone.
“I would like to thank Brian, Alex, David and the entire “Rock Center” team for their efforts. The show will be missed,” writes Fili-Krushel.
There’s no word on the fate of the correspondents and staff of “Rock Center” or whether layoffs will be necessary. Some staffers will likely be offered positions in other areas of the NBC News Group.
Full note, after the jump…
All,
I wanted to let you know in advance of NBC Entertainment’s Upfront presentation on Monday that a decision has been made about the future of “Rock Center with Brian Williams.” Unfortunately, the show will finish its run on the primetime schedule on June 21.
While we’re disappointed with the news, we are very proud of the hard work that the ‘Rock Center’ team put into the program each week.
There have been so many notable moments — unprecedented access to the White House Situation Room, a compelling hour-long broadcast on the Boston Marathon bombings, the Emmy Award-winning exclusive with Jerry Sandusky – just to mention a few. Everyone gave their all to bring the most interesting stories to our viewers.
I would like to thank Brian, Alex, David and the entire “Rock Center” team for their efforts. The show will be missed.
Pat