Ted Koppel Joins Brian Williams' 'Rock Center'

NY -- Ted Koppel will join Brian Williams' upcoming newsmagazine Rock Center as a special correspondent. The widely reported news was made official Thursday by NBC News president Steve Capus.our editor recommendsWhat to Expect From Brian Williams' 'Rock Center'Brian Williams' Newsmagazine to Be Called 'Rock Center'Brian Williams Talks Politics, Occupy Wall Street on 'Late Show' (Video) "A pioneer of broadcast journalism, Ted has touched every major news event spanning nearly five decades, and not only does he bring a tremendous amount of experience to the broadcast, he is a tireless advocate for quality journalism, and is one of our profession's premiere storytellers," Capus said in a statement. PHOTOS: The Most Talked-About TV News Faces Added Williams: "My goal has been to make Rock Center the Cooperstown of our craft. Ted is a consensus Hall of Famer, joining the best team of men and women on the air today. While his place in the history of television journalism is already established, his work here is just beginning. This is the next chapter, and it's an enormous honor to work with this giant and former competitor." Koppel spent 25 years at ABC News where he was the original anchor ofNightline. But he left the news division in 2005 whenNightlinewas re-imagined as a multi-topic, multi-anchor program. In 2008, he was recruited to contribute toBBC World News Americaby the broadcast's then executive producerRome Hartman. And Hartman, who left BBC America to become ep ofRock Center, was also instrumental in bringing Koppel to NBC News. Rock Center premieres Oct. 31 in the 10 p.m. time slot formerly occupied by the canceled Playboy Club. Related Topics Brian Williams