As a seasoned movie-lover who has witnessed the evolution of news broadcasting over decades, I must say that the recent Election Night special by Brian Williams on Amazon Prime Video is a fascinating experiment that bridges the gap between traditional TV news and the digital age.
Brian Williams didn’t come to Election Night to break news, but rather to put it all together.
On Tuesday evening, the seasoned news anchor from NBC News initiated an engaging American trial by airing an extended Election Night special on Amazon’s Prime Video. During this event, Brian Williams showcased his eloquence while Amazon had an opportunity to explore attracting viewers with live broadcasts of significant events beyond NFL games or other sports events.
On Election Night, Brian Williams’ special program was accessible to all viewers, regardless of their Amazon Prime membership status. This event started at 5 p.m., preceding the official coverage on MSNBC, Fox News Channel, CBS News, and ABC News. As CNN examined its first poll of the night and NBC News transitioned to round-the-clock coverage on its main network, this broadcast took place.
As a dedicated viewer, I can’t help but appreciate how innovative shows have become in capturing the interest of the younger demographic. For instance, CNN has ventured into live vertical video within their app, tailoring their news coverage specifically for mobile users. Similarly, NBC News has unveiled the “Kornacki-cam” on their Peacock streaming service, enabling subscribers to delve deeper into Steve Kornacki’s intricate political maps and statistics. These strategic moves are truly revolutionizing the way we consume news today.
More and more people are finding it important to grasp digital strategies, as a significant portion of U.S. adults (86%) now occasionally obtain news via smartphones, computers, or tablets, with about half (57%) doing so frequently, according to data from Pew Research Center. In contrast, the proportion of individuals who regularly receive news through television has remained relatively stable at 33%.
Amazon has expressed hesitance about venturing into news broadcasting, yet appears keen on managing live events. Competitor Netflix, along with several traditional broadcasters, are also exploring this realm; Disney recently acquired rights to air the Grammys starting from 2027. Live shows remain one of the rare attractions that gather massive audiences in a manner appealing to big advertisers, and given the increasing number of streaming platforms offering ad-supported plans, it’s no surprise they’re eager to provide their own share of such events. While sports continue to be popular, the costs associated with them are escalating significantly.
Amazon effectively utilized the Williams’ special to showcase various offerings during commercial breaks. They promoted numerous news apps, their new film “Unstoppable,” and Thursday Night Football’s coverage of expensive NFL games. However, some advertisements supporting these programs were not particularly refined, much like those you might see on Fox News, MSNBC, or CNN during a typical evening. An ad from Balance of Nature, the company that frequently airs direct-response ads on cable news, was one such example.
William’s Amazon program showcased numerous participants, some of whom are recognized faces in news circles. Among them was Candy Crowley, a seasoned CNN political analyst who hasn’t appeared much on television since leaving her Sunday morning show “State of the Union” in 2014. On Tuesday night, Crowley reemerged to discuss various voter sentiments. Abby Huntsman, a former Fox News host and panelist on ABC’s “The View,” played a significant role in the broadcast, as did Jessica Yellin, a veteran journalist who has worked for both CNN and ABC News. Shep Smith, known for his extended tenure at Fox News and brief stint at CNBC, was based at Vice President Kamala Harris’ headquarters. Poppy Harlow, who recently parted ways with CNN, appeared as a Paris correspondent, informing William that “we kept the Eiffel Tower lit for you.
Instead of flashy graphics, what was absent during the broadcast was the usual array of eye-catching visuals that major TV networks typically rely on for Election Night coverage. In place of these, Williams’ screen primarily displayed him, his guests, and contributors. There were no tickers at the bottom of the screen; no countdown timers, no highlighted races, no constantly updating voter percentages or turnout figures, and no flashing notifications. Additionally, Williams was often shown with his back to the camera while conversing with remote guests, a practice that used to be considered a major faux pas in news production. Could it be that viewers accustomed to YouTube and TikTok are more tolerant of such changes in broadcasting style?
In fact, Amazon and Williams decided to air an Election Night show, but without a particular decision desk, meaning that the host had to stick to a single set of results as various polls and potential outcomes were bound to be debated throughout the night by the public.
Tonight, we’re not bound by a Decision Desk,” Williams informed the audience. “Instead, you can just tune in to us, as we’ll be keeping tabs on everything for you.” Other TV producers might disagree with this approach. At one point during the broadcast, Williams referred to CNN data as a fresh topic for his team’s discussion.
The producers aimed to offer viewers something different, focusing more on news analysis rather than the typical programming. It’s been reported that they managed to secure well-known personalities for the show, in part because many traditional TV news competitors have reduced their contributors due to financial pressures. The show is expected to be broadly appealing and maintain a neutral perspective.
Attendees ranged from conservative to liberal, featuring ex-Trump press aides like Hogan Gidley, as well as Baratunde Thurston, a renowned author and humorist.
Primarily, there was an abundance of conversation. Williams managed a crowd of several guests, engaging with each one individually. He conversed with his audience. He also communicated with every panelist on set. Notable figures such as North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman (also Abby Huntsman’s father) were among the “newsmakers” he welcomed. The program commenced with a three-minute segment, where he penned an address to the nation’s founding fathers, updating them on the significant transformations in these United States.
The possibility of Williams continuing to speak for Amazon in the future could depend on the number of people who tuned in to listen to him, as well as how long they chose to stay engaged during a night that offered numerous other news-worthy attractions.
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2024-11-06 03:47