In The Know

NBC News memo gave guidelines for questions about Brokaw

NBC News sent staffers a memo that outlined guidelines for reporting a story about sexual harassment allegations against former anchor Tom Brokaw, according to a report in Variety.

According to Variety, the network laid out the exact way on-air reporters should present Brokaw’s side of the story.

“As always in cases where sexual misconduct is alleged, we should be scrupulous in reflecting all sides,” read the note obtained by Variety.

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“Include relevant portions of Brokaw’s denial, his email and the email in support of him, signed by more than 60 colleagues,” the memo read, according to Variety.

Linda Vester, a former anchor and correspondent for NBC News, alleges that Brokaw sexually harassed and assaulted her. The memo advises reporters for NBC to include Vester’s side of the story and a comment from her attorney.

The memo reportedly stood out to some staffers because it required anchors to report about a document that had caused controversy in the newsroom.  

Soon after the allegations against Brokaw were made public, a letter signed by current and former NBC News staffers began circulating. Page Six reported that some lower level staffers had felt pressured to sign the letter.