NBC News president Steve Capus sent this note to all NBC/MSNBC employees last night:

This afternoon we took decisive action as it relates to the deplorable comments by Don Imus on his nationally broadcast radio program. We’ve suspended the Imus MSNBC simulcast for two weeks, beginning next Monday. We decided to start the suspension on Monday because we did not want to do anything to hurt the previously scheduled radiothon which raises money for some truly worthwhile organizations.

The fact that Imus devotes a great deal of energy to that radiothon every year speaks in large measure to who he is. However, it is also true that many people will define Imus by his own hateful words about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. He made it very clear all day today that he understands the level of pain associated with his words and he’s devoted to a true effort of reconciliation. I take Imus at his word that he is going to continue to take serious, meaningful corrective actions.

The dialogue that has begun as a result of this terrible incident is felt in the heart and souls of NBC employees. For example, Ron Allen wrote an extremely powerful commentary on this matter in the MSNBC.com Daily Nightly blog. I’ve also heard from a number of people who have expressed their thoughts in support of Imus in general … and against his actions. This internal dialogue is healthy for our organization.

I want all of us to be mindful of the diversity issues we have in our control. Think long and hard about the people we choose to use as pundits… for sound bites… and to help shape our journalism. Let’s make sure that our work is reflective of America. Let’s encourage a diversity of opinion in our newsrooms. Let’s do all we can to ensure a diverse workforce at all levels of our organizations. Speak up quickly when you see or hear something that is not right. That is the culture of NBC News, at our best. And to be clear, I want nothing but the best FROM this organization and FOR this organization.

Thanks for your thoughts.

MEMO from Steve Capus
President, NBC News
Subject: Nighty News Executive Producer

NBC News, today, begins a new era with an outstanding announcement. Alex Wallace has been named executive producer of the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. As you know, Alex has been my primary deputy in the front office, serving as a vice president responsible for news coverage, Nightly News, Specials and much more. Alex will continue to serve as a vice president while handling the executive producer’s responsibilities. I’m thrilled for Alex, Nightly News, NBC Universal, and frankly, for women in our industry. This is a proud day across the board.

Enclosed is the press release we are about to send out, but I wanted to be sure you saw it first.

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Brian Williams is in Iraq. “The decision to come here was mine.” Bono is apparently not with him.

Good line from NBC News president Steve Capus, lifted from his exchange with “Howie” Kurtz on CNN’s Reliable Sources over the weekend:

KURTZ: Steve, did you have any reservations about sending your anchor into a dangerous war zone?

STEVE CAPUS, NBC NEWS PRESIDENT: Well, of course you have reservations about it. And we talked about this for months and months and went back and forth about whether this was a good idea. And Brian felt very strongly that he wanted to go and be back in Iraq before the anniversary of the start of the war.

This is his third trip since that time. And we thought the timing was right. And, as Brian just said on your — on that clip there from “Meet the Press,” you know, we’re going to take every security precaution that we can.

You know, I’ve known Brian, Howie, as you know, for probably 26 years now. First and foremost, he’s a reporter, and he’s not a cowboy. This is a guy who wants to get the story, but he’s going to — he’s going to do it the right way and take every precaution that he needs to.

Now, Anderson Cooper — he’s a cowboy.