Networks are prepping for a 1:30pmET statement from the White House Rose Garden in which the president will discuss the status of General Stanley McChrystal.
CBS will be taking the statement live with Russ Mitchell anchoring. Diane Sawyer will anchor a special report for ABC with George Stephanopoulos, Jake Tapper, and Martha Raddatz. Brian Williams will anchor for NBC News.
All eyes were on the White House this morning as McChrystal met with President Obama following a controversial article published in Rolling Stone magazine. USA Today reported, “Obama and McChrystal began speaking at 9:51 am, according to the White House schedule. McCrystal left the White House complex at 10:26 am,” which left the cable networks anticipating an announcement from the president into the afternoon. The broadcast nets were also awaiting news.
Update: At 1:18pmET, NBC’s Jim Miklaszewski reported that Gen. McChrystal has been relieved of his command on MSNBC. At 1:21pmET, Fox News reported citing the AP, while CNN reported coming out of a commercial break citing “media sources.” ABC broke in at 1:21 to report the news as well.
News broke across the cablers immediately thereafter that Gen. David Petraeus will succeed.
Update: NBC News began its special report — which is not being simulcast on MSNBC as has been the case occasionally in breaking news situations — at 1:30pmET, while CBS and ABC appear to be waiting for the start of the president’s remarks. Jon Scott anchoring coverage for FOX.
Update: President Obama spoke at 1:43pmET, and his statement was carried on the four broadcast networks, CNN, FNC, HLN, MSNBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, FBN, and Telemundo.
Brian Williams joined MSNBC’s coverage at 2pmET.