Rumors of a disgruntled Brian Williams over NBC's decision to move his weekly hour-show "Rock Center" to a new day and time slot for the third time are apparently not true, at least according to one of the show's producers.
The controversy stemmed from a segment that aired last Friday in which Williams concluded his show with a satirical look back at his show's history on the network and its treatment by executives.
The segment triggered an immediate response by the
Hollywood Reporter's Marisa Guthrie, who wrote that "NBC brass might have upset Williams with the move . . . Sources at NBC News say Williams was angered that Burbank execs did not give the show the promised promotion, while plans to expand it to multiple weekly airings have been abandoned."
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Responding to Guthrie's suggestion, Alexandra Wallace, executive producer for "Rock Center," issued a statement via The Huffington Post which read:
"Brian’s take on our new time slot was truly funny and the furthest thing from 'angry.' He made light of our travels through the schedule -- and we are all thrilled by Rock Center’s strong ratings after our Friday night debut. We look forward to settling down in our new home."
In the segment narrated by Williams, there is a horse drawn carriage moving across the United States in a vintage-like photo symbolizing the western expansion by settlers in the mid 19th century, while a harmonica plays in the distance.
In the clip the veteran anchorman discusses past competitors and NBC executives, which he refers to as "the wise men in the city of angels" explaining the show's journey to its viewers.
"We set out from the east, Mondays at 10 p.m. We were all tender foots, not used to the terrain. The enemy appeared right alongside us that night when we set up camp," Williams said.
"We gathered up and moved on to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. where we were not wanted. Wednesdays at 9 would be more hospitable territory said the wise men in the city of Angels, but theys [sic] was wrong," continued Williams as we see old movie clips of men yelling into phones and representing the "wise men."
Williams continues, "Tonight I write this from our latest resting place, where we wish to be, where we welcome visitors and mean harm to no one. And while the hour grows late and thoughts turn to the weekend, we are at peace, knowing rest lies ahead."
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The piece was concluded with Williams reiterating the new day and time slot for his viewers.
"Rock Center" is often confused with the former hit NBC comedy series "
30 Rock," starring Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey which aired its last show earlier in February.
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