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Brian Ross Returns to ABC News in Different Role After 4-Week Suspension

Brian Ross / Getty Images
January 5, 2018

Brian Ross will return to ABC News on Monday in a different position than the one he left behind when his multi-week suspension began.

Although Ross will still hold the title of chief investigative correspondent, CNN reported he will be moving to Lincoln Square Productions within ABC, which is based a few blocks from the news division headquarters.

According to sources familiar with the reorganization plan, Ross will now be working on "long-term projects," such as primetime documentaries, alongside his longtime producer Rhonda Schwartz.

James Goldston, ABC News’ president, announced Ross’ new assignment on Friday at ABC’s editorial meeting.

The position with Lincoln Square Productions would mean Ross would not be involved with live special reports like the one that caused him trouble in the first place. The group produces documentaries, special reports, and other shows for ABC and other networks.

Ross was suspended in December for making an error in a breaking news story regarding Michael Flynn, former national security advisor for President Donald Trump. The ABC correspondent said Trump directed Flynn to make contact with Russian officials while he was a presidential candidate, but the directive actually came when Trump was president-elect. It is common for presidential transition teams to make contact with foreign governments.

Ross' mistake went on for seven hours before it was corrected.

About 24 hours after the story was released, and following criticism of Ross and ABC’s mishandling of the situation, ABC announced the veteran journalist would be benched for four weeks and would not receive compensation.

While some defended Ross for making an "honest mistake," Goldston said Ross would no longer be covering stories related to Trump.

Published under: ABC , Media