Heir Apparent?

Is there a clear heir to the “Nightly News” throne at NBC?

Such a question is speculative, of course. NBC has launched an investigation into the Nightly News anchor following his admission this week that he falsely claimed to have been on a helicopter that was shot down by enemy fire while on an NBC News reporting trip in Iraq in 2003. On Saturday, Williams that he would take a leave of absence from Nightly News for “the next several days.” Lester Holt will substitute for the anchor.

With that in mind, the dust from this imbroglio has yet to clear, and public perception of credibility can do a lot to change TV-network plans. In the accompanying slide show, Variety examines a list of potential candidates for Williams’ seat, should he, NBC, or the public decide someone else ought to fill it.

Lester Holt

The obvious internal choice. Holt is weekend anchor of “NBC Nightly News” and also co-anchor of the weekend edition of NBC’s “Today.” He often fills in for Williams on the Monday-to-Friday newscast as well.

Matt Lauer

ABC recently elevated “Good Morning America” co-anchor George Stephanopoulos to be its lead anchor for all breaking news and special reports. Could this longtime anchor, who often hosts NBC News special reports in the morning, fill a similar role by taking over the evenings? Would he want to?

Savannah Guthrie

Recently signed to a new contract at NBC News, this “Today” co-anchor has chops as a legal analyst, MSNBC host and White House Correspondent. She just interviewed President Obama during NBC’s telecast of the Super Bowl pre-game, something Matt Lauer has handled in the past.

Jose Diaz-Balart

One of the nation’s best-known anchors in Spanish-language TV, this Telemundo and MSNBC host has 30 years of experience. He is a Peabody Award winner and has anchored both English and Spanish broadcasts. instilling Diaz-Balart in the “Nightly” chair would nod to the growing importance of Latinos in the U.S.

Katie Couric

A left-field choice, if only because she’s employed elsewhere. Couric rose to fame hosting NBC’s “Today” and made an even bigger splash as the anchor of “CBS Evening News.” She has also logged time as the host of a daytime program and is now testing non-traditional waters as global anchor of Yahoo News.