Amazon in Talks With Brian Williams to Host Election-Night Special

As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of immersion in the world of television news, I can’t help but feel a sense of intrigue and nostalgia as I read about Brian Williams potentially joining Amazon Prime Video for an Election Night special. The veteran anchor has been a staple in our living rooms for years, his baritone voice and commanding presence a comforting constant amidst the tumultuous world events he’s so skillfully reported on.


Brian Williams may have found his next TV-news job….except it won’t be on traditional TV.

It’s being discussed at an advanced stage that a seasoned anchor from NBC News and MSNBC may host a live Election Night program on Amazon Prime Video. According to sources familiar with the situation, the goal is to facilitate a neutral conversation about the events of that night. If this project goes ahead, it would potentially be Amazon’s first foray into news programming, as streaming giants have mainly focused on movies, original scripted series, and reality shows.

The idea might not definitely be finalized, they warned. Amazon chose not to provide comments from their executives. Via a representative, Williams also opted not to respond.

Amazon could possibly compete for viewer attention during one of traditional journalism’s grandest nights. Many media corporations regard an election cycle as an opportunity to gain new audiences and boost their share of advertising revenue, as the presidential race captivates viewers beyond just dedicated news enthusiasts.

As a movie critic, I find it intriguing to observe how streaming giants are diving headfirst into unchartered territories, while traditional broadcast networks like NBC News, CNN, CBS News, Fox News Channel, and ABC News continue to tinker with innovative strategies to engage younger demographics. These young adults tend to favor screens outside of the conventional TV realm for their news consumption.

Recently, broadcasters have discovered the allure of real-time programming, especially as they attempt to gain access to Madison Avenue’s advertising market. In the last two years, both Amazon and Netflix – platforms initially known for their commercial-free, ad-free viewing experience – have introduced subscription tiers that include advertisements. Large corporations continue to seek massive, synchronous audiences, similar to those who watch sports events, award ceremonies, and season finales, as they are willing to pay premium prices to showcase their pitches to such a crowd. However, live-action shows do not attract the same level of viewership, which is one reason behind Netflix’s recent live comedy specials and, this holiday season, broadcasting NFL games.

Those knowledgeable about the situation advised against interpreting the Williams project as an indication that Amazon aims to consistently produce news content. This is because Amazon has not brought on a large number of journalists yet. Instead, one possibility being considered involves Williams hosting discussions with various guests or contributors, according to three sources privy to the negotiations.

The concept of live-streaming news content remains in its early stages, and what’s clear is that there isn’t a universal method for achieving this.

For instance, NBC News is expanding its ad-supported live stream service, NBC News Now, by adding original programming hosted by presenters like Tom Llamas, Hallie Jackson, and Savannah Sellers. On the other hand, Fox News Channel has developed its streaming business around a subscription-based platform called Fox Nation, which offers content beyond news including comedy, documentaries, and even movies. CBS News has renamed its service to CBS News 24/7 and launched a new show that quickly moves viewers to breaking events through its network of local stations. Lastly, ABC News has tasked the weekend anchors of “Good Morning America” with additional responsibilities in streaming during late mornings.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve noticed that Warner Bros. Discovery’s CNN has taken a more cautious approach lately. In 2022, they introduced a subscription service called CNN+, but it was closed down shortly after due to the new management feeling that it wouldn’t yield the desired financial returns. Since then, some live CNN programming has been showcased on their streaming platform, Max, in a section labeled as “beta,” which is still under development.

Making an appearance by Williams on Election Night would signify his first major venture since departing from NBCUniversal and MSNBC in December 2021, following almost three decades of service. This veteran anchor climbed the ranks at MSNBC, starting with a daily evening news program, then moving to the anchor seat for “NBC Nightly News,” and eventually creating a late-night show called “The 11th Hour” on MSNBC. Known as one of the company’s most recognized figures, he leveraged his talent for eloquent speech and storytelling into guest spots on late-night talk shows and even “Saturday Night Live.

After a broadcast on “Nightly News” on January 30, 2015, Brian Williams falsely claimed that he and his team had been attacked by enemy fire during a reporting trip to Iraq in a Chinook helicopter, which forced them to land. However, this incident never occurred; they were never under attack, and the helicopter landed safely. This false account was disputed by soldiers who knew the truth about the event and had started to complain. As a result, NBCUniversal suspended Williams for six months and replaced him as anchor on “Nightly” with Lester Holt.

After leaving NBC, William’s name has repeatedly come up in discussions. There have been whispers about potential roles for him at CNN and CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” People who know his thoughts believe that he would prefer programs that offer more opportunities to display skills beyond just sitting behind an anchor desk. When Williams said goodbye to “The 11th Hour,” he used his final moments to deliver a monologue, encouraging viewers to reflect on the vulnerability of American democracy.

Towards the conclusion of his speech, Williams subtly indicated a desire for additional opportunities to engage with an inquisitive crowd. “I might struggle to remain quiet and keep away from you, your questions, and the spotlight,” he mentioned earlier, “once I’ve tried taking some time off and discovering what I’m missing, and what lies beyond.

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2024-09-28 16:47