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Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.



Friday night live

Posted: Friday, November 02, 2007 6:19 PM by Sam Singal

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

This week has been a juggling act. Even if you don’t count all the preparations required to host Saturday Night Live this weekend – and there have been plenty – it would have been a busy week. There was Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia, and – as always – there are the daily demands of my number one priority, which is Nightly News. It’s a busy news day, so I’ll keep it brief on the blog today.

There’s been a lot of attention paid to the fact that I’m hosting Saturday Night Live – below are  links to various press accounts on the subject. Just about everybody has been supportive and enthusiastic. I’ll be honest, I thought long and hard before accepting the invitation to host, and agreed to do so only after concluding that it would do no harm to the reputation and integrity of NBC News. As I’ve said before, I look forward to having a little fun on my night off, though I freely acknowledge that this is new ground for me.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ivRM88DtzcbOoHWXIquA_bCDEaiAD8SL5HT00

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2007/11/02/2007-11-02_brian_williams_hosts_saturday_night_live.html

http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2007/11/brian_williams_likes_thincrust.html

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ia9c51f5ef29150aa8ae6174de493395d

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDg4YmM1MTRmYzBiY2EwODRhMmNmZDg3MzVlYzM0YzU

With all this in mind, a friend reminded me that this comedic road was first paved by two legendary predecessors of mine: Chet Huntley and David Brinkley. Back in 1964, when their nightly newscast was at the very peak of its popularity, Chet and David dipped their collective toe into the world of entertainment and emerged unscathed. Comedian Jack Benny was returning to NBC after years with CBS, and he invited Huntley and Brinkley to tape a mock news report he could use as a gag for the open of his premiere episode. They did, and then life went on. This brief item about it appeared in the New York Times shortly before the show:

Brinkley, Huntley and Benny
   The National Broadcasting Company, which recently expressed concern that journalistic joshing about David Brinkley’s dry humor might detract from his image as a serious news reporter, has granted permission for him and Chet Huntley to appear in connection with Jack Benny’s premiere on Sept. 25 at 9:30pm.
   The introduction of the television comedy program will be a routine in which Mr. Huntley and Mr. Brinkley will discuss reaction to the return of Mr. Benny to N.B.C.
-- The New York Times, September 15, 1964

We look forward to having you join us tonight, and I sure hope you’ll be watching Saturday Night Live tomorrow night.  

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Comments

Good Evening Mr.Williams, I think you have done a terrific job this week juggling all your duties from Nightly News, The Democratic Debates and hosting Saturday Night Live this Saturday. I know you will do great! Looking forward to it! Now on to the broadcast. I know that Hurricane Noel is a dangerous storm, but I do wish our state of Georgia could receive some of that rain. We sure could use it! The In Depth report by Mr.Mott about the town in Tennessee called Orme that only gets three hours a day of water use makes one really feel badly for those people. Seeing how they have to turn off and turn on the valve shows how much this drought has seriously affected the country. I'm happy they received a grant and will be connected to Alabama for their water use. In the meantime I really hope it rains here in Georgia. Regarding the "Making a Difference" segment featuring your interview with Bono. I think it is wonderful how much money has been raised to help those people in Africa. Bono has certainly achieved great success from the "Red" fundraising campaign for HIV,TB and Malaria. This has helped so many people to receive the medicine they need. Finally, again I am looking forward to your hosting Saturday Night Live. You will be great!! Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. See you Saturday Night! Peace to all!

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 7:14 PM)

good luck dude!  i'm sure you'll kill!

sam, new york, NY (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 9:17 PM)

Hi Brian alot of surprises today. Lindsey Graham got finial help with his campaign so he changed his vote. Nice to see the White House got Senators Schumer and Feinstein to change their vote.  I guess there's always some way the parties can work together. I wonder what will happen if one of our troops are tortured by waterboarding what will these honest Law Makers say then. Michael Mukasey did good by saying he didn't know if waterboarding was torture most likely when it's done to an American he will finally understand.  

I feel bad for ABC and Mr. Gibson with the following:
ABC, the White House admitted to editing the negative aspects of the report and acknowledged that it was “inappropriate.
Most Americans still believe the News is fair/balance by the Media, we didn't know the White House reviewed any and all information given to the public. May after we get a new President the Media will be able to do their job without interference.

I wonder what the diplomates will do now that they will be sent to the Green Zone. The only information that is given about the Green Zone is from the troops working their. It's not a safe place and any place can be bombed at any time.  I don't think it's worth my life. What's strange is how the Bush Administration is saying there's no problem yet they wont go and stay there.  Most of the soldiers pray they live through the day, now the diplomates will know what our soldiers are dealing with everyday and night.  

I wanted to comment on the kids training. I thought about how most of the talented people with no training. I remembered Jennifer Hudson, Billy Holiday and so many great artist and then Wilma Rudolph who had polio and no medical treatment yet without training became the World fastest runner.  We will see talent that is natural and amazing and still wonder how and why.

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California (Sent Saturday, November 03, 2007 12:48 AM)

I hope to GOD that Brian does a skit with SNL's 'Penelope' !!!

Anthony Joseph, West Warwick, RI (Sent Saturday, November 03, 2007 1:53 AM)

I was astounded to see Tom Costello's report about conflicts of interest at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Apparently, some of their high-ranking officials have been accepting trips paid for by some of the very industries they are supposed to be policing (the toy industry and the fireworks industry were mentioned).  The reason I was astounded, however, was because of the hypocrisy involved in broadcasting this report on NBC Nightly News.  Nightly News frequently sells sponsorships of news segments (like "Making A Difference") to corporations while covering those very same industries.  And I have never once heard Brian Williams offer so much as a disclosure statement about NBC's financial relationship with their news subjects.  GlaxoSmithKline is a frequent sponsor, as are other pharmaceutical companies.  (Ironically, GSK sponsored MAD on Friday's broadcast.)  During Costello's story, Craig Holman, from the organization Public Citizen (which describes itself as a "National Non-Profit Public Interest Organization"), says of the CPSC, "This is such a serious conflict of interest violation that it casts serious doubts over who this agency represents."  What would Mr. Holman say about NBC News covering the pharmaceutical industry while accepting millions of sponsorship dollars from GSK, Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies?  At the beginning of Costello's report, the words "Conflict Of Interest" appear on screen.  I think that phrase would apply to NBC News and their corporate partners.  Former CPSC Executive Director Pamela Gilbert is quoted as saying that the CPSC "needs a chairman of the agency that's going to care more about consumers than about industry."  Perhaps NBC News needs a chairman who cares more about the integrity of the news than about corporate sponsors.  And concerning Costello's report:  People in glass studios shouldn't throw stones.

Norman Charles, NYC (Sent Saturday, November 03, 2007 6:20 AM)

Yes, to Huntley and Brinkley about engaging in a little humor, but Brian, you are spending much more time making the comedy rounds than prepping for the presidential debates and reporting on the Constitutional crisis.  Why isn't that important to you?

It sue is important to we the people as the remains of the Constitution go down in tatters and our nation now tortures, breaks treaties and plays by its own rules.  Don't you think that is worthy of a little more attention and investigation?

How about some investigation about the US mercenary army, its contracted domestic spies and all of the other muck that is being perpetrated in our name.

If you love the comedy scene, then go for it - but not while you are in your current news position.  Too much, already.

Len NY, NY (Sent Saturday, November 03, 2007 1:11 PM)

Len, are you saying that Mr. Williams should do nothing else but report on the news? That he should have no other interests or activities, and no respite from depressing world events? How do you make the leap from hosting SNL one time to his not being concerned about anything going on in the world? He's spending his own time on his SNL gig. He is not neglecting the news because of it. He's a very humorous man, and I'm looking forward to watching him tonight on SNL.

Uber Bitsy (Sent Saturday, November 03, 2007 7:16 PM)

Brian,  what a great "Making a Difference" piece featuring the Red Campaign;  the impact it has had on the African Health care crisis in it's 1st year is quite remarkable.
Also, Bono's online vlog in which he thanks NBC for taking Nightly News to Africa to increase US awarenss of the fight against world poverty is a great testament your leadership.  Keep up the great work.

Roger Hill, Salem, CT (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 10:25 AM)

Uber Bitsy:

Yes, Williams IS neglecting to report the news. Since you find him so humorous, and he is actively working to encourage his visibility as a "news comic," perhaps he should give up his managing editor position and simply read his news and comedy scripts.  They don't sound very different, sadly.

And that "Making A Difference" segment should be turned over to the egregious harm made to our Constitution by Bush, Cheney, Rice, Gonzales, Ashcroft, Libby, Rove and all of the rest of the gang.  It should also include all members of Congress and the Supreme Court who voted to eliminate habeas corpus, allow and condone the use of torture, shred the fourth amendment and use fear to drive the foreign and domestic policy agendas.  Then Making a Difference can portray how Blackwater's mercenary army and mercenary private domestic spies make a difference, how exposing a CIA agent working covertly on Iran nuclear counterproliferation is making a difference, how refusing to regulate the chemical and energy production industries is making a difference, and how the failure to provide oversight for the entire six year period that the Republicans held majorities in the House and Senate while Bush and his "4th branch" Cheney ran a war-profiteering scheme which continues to bleed our very precious national military and treasure.

If Williams was doing his job, his hair would be on fire for all of the stories he SHOULD be covering with named sources, declared corporate and personal conflicts of interest and fact checking for every assertion.

The rest of the world is looking at the US in shock and horror at what we are doing.  Why is it that no one here is reporting what everyone else knows?  Why is the segment of the American public that relies on television news deprived of actually getting it?

Enough of Britney, Paris and Hollywood.  Infotainment is the junk food of the American news diet.  Get rid of it, already.

Now that would be news.

Len NY, NY (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:46 PM)

SNL was hilarious to watch yesterday.  I was so surprised and excited when Mr. Brian Williams came on.

Priscilla, South Hadley, MA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 5:21 PM)

I gave up on CBS in the 60's because if it wasn't bad news or news they could claim was bad, they didn't report it.

I gave up on ABC in the 90's because 'fair and balanced' began to mean a high fiber diet.

Thanks to NBC. I rely on Mr. Brian Williams to report, not emphasize every third word...that he has a sense of humor is an added bonus.

Len Ny, Ny needs more fiber in his diet...

J. Michael Montgomery (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:42 PM)

J. Michael Montgomery (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:43 PM)

Mr Brian Williams,
If I ever have the pleasure of visiting the NBC studios in NYC, I certainly hope I can catch you on a morning when you are milling around outside, waiting to be recognized;)  I would love to shake your hand on doing such an outstanding job with your hosting duties on Saturday Night Live (in addition to all of your many other accomplishments).  We are still reciting our favorite lines (too many to list), and have been laughing since we were graced with such an awesome performance!
Kudos to you, Mr. Williams!  We will be anxiously awaiting an encore performance:)
Congratulations, and we look forward watching future news casts, from a man of many talents!

Dorianne Blunt, Denver, CO (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:56 PM)

If Brian wants to have fun on his own time, I think that it is GREAT.

Elaine A. Halley (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 10:13 PM)

Hi Brian,

I've been a huge fan since you took over the NBC Nightly News, believing you do a very good job of balancing what we need to know with perspective and insight that helps to complete a story.

So, I was surprised when I heard you agreed to host SNL. Many anchors would think it's beneath them to participate in a show like that.

I hadn't seen the show in a while, but there was no way I was missing your appearance. What a treat! You showed great comedic timing, but more importantly, you reminded us of your human side and the fact that even a guy who makes his living often reporting about the worst of our country still has the ability to poke fun and let people see the not-so-serious side. Do it again!

Marilynn, Atlanta (Sent Monday, November 05, 2007 12:01 AM)

Re: Your stint on SNL
Edward R. Murrow just rolled over  in his grave.

larry, memphis, tn. (Sent Monday, November 05, 2007 12:13 PM)

Good Evening Mr. Williams,
Just watched you on the news as usual today Monday 5th, of November......... as a Williams- eh, just name sake, cool, smart, handsome, sauve, etc etc etc. However, I have one thing to ask of you - and please say yes? CAN I PLEASE HAVE THAT TIE YOU WORE - the one when you had that satellite feed with Ann in Antartic. I love the tie one of my favortie colors. Looking forward to your reply :-)

Will Sandy Springs Georgia (Sent Monday, November 05, 2007 7:18 PM)

Brian,
I was really disappointed that you and Tim Russett joined the attack on Hillary Clinton during the debates.  Your job should be to ask intelligent and probing questions of ALL the candidates.  Let the other candidates pursue their own line of questioning.
judy, Seattle

judy burnstin, seattle, wa (Sent Monday, November 05, 2007 9:13 PM)

Hi Brian, I'm so sorry I missed you on SNL.  I have not been watching that show for a couple of years, as I felt the writing had gone down significantly.  I truly wish I had seen you as the host however, as I'm sure you added much needed character to the show.  You are a charmer and I'm sure you had a blast doing the show.  Good for you for doing it and I hope they repeat it!

Sue Monforte (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 9:21 AM)

Brian
I watched SNL and thought you were so funny!! I loved your opening remarks and wish you had that video up because I would love to see it again.  Your comments and your poking fun at your anchor image were priceless. Thanks for the treat and for the news you deliver each night!

Suzanne Pratt (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:16 PM)

Brian
My wife and I make every effort to watch your program each evening. I can't tell you how much we enjoy your broadcast. You and your correspondents do a wonderful job communicating our day to day issues but with one major quality.... the human aspect. We feel like you are speaking to us as if you were actually in our family room. Thank you for doing a great job and we are big fans!Your concern,love for our country is apparent specifically for those who have served and are serving this nation. Well done.

Eddie Condon, Ballwin, Missouri (Sent Friday, November 09, 2007 7:28 PM)

The evening news business has always fascinated me and Howard Kurtz's "Reality Show" raised several the complexity and, lately, the relevance of your profession.  You, Charlie Gibson, and Katie Couric have, each evening, delivered topics that viewers may further pursue (such as--perish the thought--reading newspapers, "Time," "U.S. News" et al).  You three have done so in the finest traditions of journalism.  While I envy the perks that come with being an anchor (meeting personally with newsmakers [George Bush, Tony Blair--but NOT Paris Hilton), traveling to news sites, and probably free Starbucks "Vat-o-Caffeine"), I don't envy the stress with producing each evening's program.

Your taking the reins from Tom Brokaw has been the strongest transfer among the three evening newscasts.  He is a fine journalist but that "All Capital Letters" delivery of his...well, he set a high standard and you have strengthened the NBC broadcast enormously.  Charlie Gibson is a great guy and I mean no disrespect toward him, but we have been privileged to have Ed Murrow and Walter Cronkite;  now we have Brian Williams.  Best wishes for leading the Nightly News into the future, whatever that holds for network reporting.  I'll be watching.

By the way, whatever else Mr. Kurtz got right, he blew it regarding your being in the same studio as the filming locale for "Friday Night Lights."  They film that one right here in Austin Texas.  If you ever run into him, straighten that lad out!

Bob Cavendish, Austin, Texas (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 9:26 AM)

I JUST WANT TO ADD MY COMMENT. MY HUSBAND AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING YOU EVERY NIGHT FOR THE EVENING NEWS. I FIND YOU ARE ALWAYS VERY POLITE, NEAT, AND I JUST PLAIN ENJOY WATCHING YOU GIVE THE NEWS. YOUR ALWAYS DRESSED VERY NICE AND I THINK YOU HAVE SOME VERY PRETTY NECKTIES. I REALLY LIKED THE DEEP PURPLEISH ONE THE OTHER NIGHT!

LINDA KLAAS, DES MOINES, IA. (Sent Friday, December 07, 2007 7:35 PM)

Dear Mr. Williams,  is it just me or is the news recently just sugar coated jibberish, Anyone with a internet connection surley knows by now how this country is in dyer straights, selling itself to other countries at a record pace, people even buying milk at $4.00 a gallon, when will you guys fess up? Tell the hard hitting , slap your face news everyone deserves, Do you guys have  Ms. Meyers  tied up in the back room? somethings fishy

john taylor, moorefield, ohio (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:33 PM)

Dear Brian,
I really enjoyed watching you, Tim Russert, and Chris Matthews ( by proxy) lose your traction on a supposed "race war" story you tried to create among the Democratic candidates--in part to justify why you got it wrong in New Hampshire. Watching you spin your wheels in front of a national audience at the Nevada Debates, trying to keep that ugly story going, was illustrative of how low  some reporters will go to get ratings.
They, the candidates, acted "Presidential" and you, once again, got eggs on your faces. It isn't about you--try to remember that. Where have you gone Walter Cronkite, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

George Kelly Concord, New Hampshire (Sent Wednesday, January 16, 2008 4:31 PM)

Dear Brian,
Let me preface by saying that I always thought you were one of the best news anchors, great personality, enjoyed your humor on Conan etc.
Which brings to to date 7/28/2008, where I will not watch your newscast ever again until you become fair & balanced.
Are you Obama's campaign manager or what? It is absolutely
ridiculous how slanted you have become. Or are you just the puppet of NBC? I am not even saying I am for or against Obama. Simply saying that you have become so obviously in favor of Obama that you are trying to sway democracy & a 2 party system by your liberal broadcasts. it's sickening & you have totally lost me & my family as  viewers...if you care.

Carol T., PVB, Fl (Sent Monday, July 28, 2008 11:51 AM)

Brian, when did you ckeck your integraty at the door and fair, journalism??  I just cannot under stand the one sided way you report the news.  It seems, NBC, MSNC, have just thrown away all the respect we had for you.  For you to do storis on Obama, give 5-10 min, dwelling only on the positive, then reporting only bad things that you think are bad about, with his plans. I once listened to anything you did, now I just watch to see, how bad you tried to tear, a hero of our Country.  I hope you can one day forgive yourself for all, the unfairness you spout every evening.

Bettie Harvey Starkville, Ms (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:48 PM)

It want be displayed at all, he will never even read it, his screeners will remove and tear it up.
Obama, does that as well.
If you go to John McCains site he leaves all mail up, for instance, a young girl left a message.
Hey, whitee, Obama will make all of you pay for, slavery.  And you say, McCain is a racist.  To bad Tim died, he was fair to all sides.  Now I see why God took hime home, he would have died , anyway to see how your news network is so far left.  Very sad.

Bettie Harvey Starkville, Ms (Sent Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:53 PM)

Barack Obama did nothing as a congressman,
he has done nothing as a senator, and now
they want to make him president? Based on
what, the Peter Principle? Get Real.

Jerry, Rochester, NY (Sent Sunday, November 02, 2008 12:12 AM)

In watching election coverage, I would like to thank you for remembering Tim Russert.  I was so pleased  to hear Luke covering part of this event.

Is there any way to obtain a DVD of the Memorial Service held for Tim Russert at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts?

Jeanne, Palmdale, Ca, originally Buffalo, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 04, 2008 11:16 PM)



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