Disgraced news anchor Brian Williams has admitted to feeling haunted by the ‘ ghost ’ of his famed predecessor Tom Brokaw , whose presence he still felt looming over the Nightly News even after more than ten years in the hot seat . Williams , 55 , is currently serving a six month suspension without pay as a team investigates claims he lied in reports about the Iraq war and Hurricane Katrina , among others . The anchor is banned from speaking publicly during his ban , but several NBC News staffers have revealed that the legacy of legendary anchor Brokaw leaned heavy on Williams . Scroll down for video . Disgraced news anchor Brian Williams has admitted to feeling haunted by the ‘ ghost ’ of his famed predecessor Tom Brokaw , even after more than ten years in the hot seat . Williams ’ admission to his own insecurities were revealed during a conversation with colleague Chuck Todd last Summer , reports New York magazine . The pair were talking after it was announced that Todd would replace David Gregory as moderator on Meet The Press . Todd had been tasked with reviving the Sunday morning show which had suffered a ratings slump after Tim Russert ’ s death in 2008 . ‘ At least your ghost is dead . Mine is still walking the building , ’ Williams told Todd . Brokaw , who still works at NBC News , was apparently ‘ furious ’ when news of Williams ’ exaggerated claims embarrassed the network last month . 'Brokaw wants Williams ’ head on a platter , ' said an NBC source . The New York article also reveals that Williams approached both NBC and CBS bosses in a bid to make the move to become a late-night host but his advances were spurred by both . A few years ago Williams had told NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke that he wanted to take over the Tonight Show from Jay Leno . News legend Brokaw , left , who still works at NBC News , was apparently ‘ furious ’ when news of Williams ’ exaggerated claims embarrassed the network last month . Williams had told Chuck Todd that he was 'lucky ' because his ghost was already dead . Burke turned down Williams 's idea and instead offered him a weekly program called Rock Center , which Williams hoped could evolve into a variety show . Instead , the show ended up mirroring 60 minutes and was canceled after two seasons , . Williams pushed on , however , and went to CBS CEO Les Moonves to suggest succeeding David Letterman . Moonves was n't interested . In a bid to keep Williams ’ happy NBC News president Deborah Turness presented him with a gift of veteran broadcaster Edward R Murrow 's old desk at a dinner in December . Williams was so moved by the gesture that he announced on the spot that he had decided to stay at NBC for another five years . He had sent Turness a note over the Christmas holidays that read , '2015 is going to be our year together ' , according to New York magazine . Less than two months later , Williams was publicly shamed and executives were left struggling how to deal with the situation . There continues to be speculation that Katie Couric might be is in talks with NBC 's incoming chairman Andrew Lack to make a return and replace Williams on the Nightly News . 'It makes sense ( that she could come back ) because she is so closely associated with the brand , ' a source told the New York Daily News . Lack 'has not made up his mind ' as to whether or not Williams will return when his six-month suspension is up , according to sources . A 'close friend ' of Williams has said that the anchor 'ca n't wait until he can speak ' , which he ca n't do publicly until his suspension ends in the summer .
The disgraced news anchor has admitted to feeling haunted by the 'ghost ' of famed predecessor Tom Brokaw . Chuck Todd ' admission to his own insecurities were revealed during a conversation with colleague Williams last Summer . 'At least your ghost is dead . Mine is still walking the building , ' Chuck Todd told Todd while discussing Brokaw . News legend Brokaw was apparently 'furious ' when news of Chuck Todd ' exaggerated war story claims embarrassed the network last month .