NBC News Apologizes to Affiliates for Sept. 11 Omission

Capus says airing interview with Kardashian mom instead of moment of silence was a misstep

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/13/2012 10:16:17 AM

NBC News took the extraordinary step of apologizing to the NBC affiliate community for its decision not to cut to a Sept. 11 moment of silence on Today, which its network rivals aired.

Steve Capus, president of NBC News, issued the apology and explanation to the affiliates Sept. 12.

"Yesterday, we made an editorial call resulting in the September 11th moment of silence not being seen," read his memo. "While we dedicated a substantial amount of airtime to the anniversary events, we still touched a nerve with many of your viewers... and for that we apologize. At NBC News, have taken great pride in the manner in which we have told the stories of September 11th. From the first moments of the attack, as documented live on Today in 2001...through every anniversary and development since, we are mindful of that legacy and our responsibilities."

While it was a network decision, several affiliates caught heat from local viewers for the decision. Compounding the issue was that Today featured an interview with Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner instead of the moment of silence.

Relations between NBC and its partner stations are mostly positive; the affiliates were pleased enough with Olympics ratings, and coverage, that they paid for a full page ad in the New York Times thanking the network for its Olympic efforts. The affiliates enter each fall season with guarded optimism that a new show or two might reach hit status, and help the network's long ailing primetime. They salute new majority owner Comcast for its robust investment in development.

In the memo, Capus reminded affiliates of NBC News' dedication to major breaking news in recent days regarding the embassy attack in Libya and the refugee crisis in Syria.

"[Wednesday] morning we had the opportunity to recommit ourselves to serious journalism and coverage," he wrote. "You've seen how brilliant Savannah and Matt are together...especially when backed-up by the unparalleled strengths of this news division. We're proud of our teams today... and continue to focus on presenting the best possible broadcasts and worldwide news coverage for your stations."

The New York Times first reported this story.