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The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

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



Almost off

Posted: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 5:06 PM by Barbara Raab
Filed Under:

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

I spent the day recovering from something of a train wreck of an outing last night -- I made a ton of mistakes during the broadcast (calling the Tropical Storm Eduardo and not Eduard, putting Basra 3 miles from Baghdad and not 300 -- and of course I KNEW BETTER than to make such sloppy errors) which I can only chalk up to a lack of concentration -- and way too much going on during the 23.5 hours when we're not actually on the air each day.

As a practical matter, while most of our broadcasts go smoothly, I hate the rocky ones. While we fixed all flubs for subsequent feeds, the first one always feels awful once it's out there beyond retrieval.

We're in the final hours before our departure for China, which means tonight I empty the suitcase I had packed for Iran, and Berlin before that.

Earlier today, Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric and I taped an appearance on Larry King Live for this evening. We had a great time and I recommend it -- it's all for a good cause: our combined efforts in fighting cancer -- the live 3-network special from Los Angeles on September 5th. It seems so far away now -- it will arrive, given our travel schedule in the interim, with a gallop.

Off to concentrate (for a change) on tonight's broadcast. Thank you for joining us.

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Comments

Brian no need to apologize we all have had those days.
There is so much going on now and summer vacation isn't what it use to be. I was a little surprised to hear Iraq has a 79 Billion dollar surplus in their Economy. Looks like by the end of Bush's term Iraq will be like the US was after Bill Clinton left office ( in the plus ).  

I listen to Grover Norquist today as he explained McCain's Economic plan. Smart move on Grover's part as he married a Kuwait woman and her business is doing great. I really get confused as most of those who attack based on race end up marrying a person not of their race.  I guess the heart has not race issues.

Time for the Oil Companies to pay the games again. Yes drop the price of gas until it's time to get those big  quarterly profits for the share holders and friends.

See you this evening

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anne and Matt
Good Evening Mr.Williams, You did a fine broadcast this evening and I didn't hear any errors at all! First of all the report by Ian Williams concerning the drought in China showed some really parched farmland. All that land not growing any rice due to the water being channelled to Beijing for the Olympics. It must be so very difficult for the farmers to see all that land and not be allowed to plant anything. The city of Beijing will have a surge of water usage and with the drought they of course need the water. It was pretty to see the fountains and flowers all around the city, but it is not great to see parched farmland. I hope after the games the farmers will have an improvement in their drastic need for water. On another note it was nice to see the athletes at the flag raising upon their arrival at the games. They must be very excited and happy to be there. All ready to compete!
The report by Mr.Costello about the emergency landing of the 757 American Airlines plane looked dramatic. I'm happy nobody was hurt, yet it must not be fun to be told you have to depart on those slides. Seeing and smelling the smoke must have been scary. I hope they find out the cause.
I enjoyed the "What Works" segment by Mr.Cowen from Chicago. I think it is wonderful that St.James Cathedral has those classical music concerts during rush hour. What a calming and peaceful half hour to relax and take in some lovely music. I think the wine and food make it a nice social time too. A great idea and it really draws a crowd of all ages. Nice Piece! Bravo!
Also, the In Depth report by Anne Thompson was most interesting about the preservation of the gorillas and the habitat. Some really great work being done to keep these animals thriving.
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Time to get packing the suitcase! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! Hope to see you do reports from Beijing!
XOXO
Hi Brian -

I liked the piece about the classical break on the way home from work - perhaps someone in NYC will sponsor a similar group.  You looked as though you were already weary.

Since I can figure out your work schedule for the next month or so - perhaps a little music break would be welcome in the fall.

Have a great time in China == looking forward to Nightly in Beijing.

Joan
I just loved what Brian Williams said on Larry King Live about Stand Up 2 Cancer project: "because there is not such thing as not participating..."
I live in the United States, but I was born and raised in Poland and I have to say that it is simply amazing to see how much Americans are doing to fight cancer.  
Just stopping by the blog to read but helping care of a sick family member.  Brian, after all the days and nights of late that have blended into one for you, my surprise is not that you goofed on air, but that you haven't done it sooner!  I can't imagine having to be on TV when I can hardly keep my lids open.  I know it makes you feel bad, and that just shows your true professionalism.  We all have bad days!
Hi Brian,
I have been looking forward to seeing the Olympics again, and was eating some Cheetos yesterday, when lo and behold, The Olympic Torch was in the bag.  I heard of weird figures of food items before and being sold on ebay, so, I shall.  This is where your blog today comes in.  My Mom is one year clean of cancer and I would go in halves with you (I already promised half with a friend who is going to help me put it on ebay, so you can have my half)to help out for what it's worth.  Is it a deal?

God bless,
Kirt Metcalf, Grants Pass, Or.
Brian, whether you make a slip or an error, its always a pleasure to watch/listen to nightly news on my ipod  on my way to work in traffic choked Bangkok. The length of the Podcasts of the Today Show and Nightly News  is almost exactly my commute time!  I think the balance of US and International news is excellent and sometimes it is a good idea to get the US domestic networks news perspective on big events such as the Beijing Olympics. It has been extremely difficult to get Chinese visas here in Thailand for most people which is a shame and incomprehensible...so we look forward even more to great news coverage by the US and UK networks!
Brian,

As a foreign language teacher, and someone who everyone expects to be "perfect" each day, I can empathize with your "disappointment."  Not to worry, you're off to Beijing very soon and unlike the majority of us, you will bear witness to some of the most beautiful sites China has to offer.  I have been enjoying reading your daily impressions and having the chance to respond.  Please know, on days when things don't go "as planned", keep in mind, it's not always how perfect we are, but that we are humble and committed to what we love...our families and our careers.  Speak with you soon.
For all the recent coverage, Chine, living Black , Irac War, ect, it would be great if someone would cover the life of the average american who is holding up the upper level by being the bottom white people who pay the taxes so the black have first preference in jobs and scholarships, and so the mexicans can come get free medical care in a hospital where our own sisters and brothers are denied care because they have no insurance.  We live on min wage and are abused by the very same white man the blacks and hispanics are abused by, but dont get any coverage on that.
Dear Brian Williams:  Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, you are only human.  You have alot going on righ now, and I can imagine how hectic it must be in the final hours of going to China.  You should have left a week or two earlier, like your colleague Ann Curry did; then you could have relaxed alittle and take your wife etc. and unwind and refocus a little bit.  It is hard to concentrate when you have alot of things going on.  "keep that in mind for next time."
This comment section seems to be a love fest. Do any disagreeable comments get shown the light of day?
Brian, don't sweat the small stuff (errors).  We all have them when we put too much on our plate.  

Watched Matt this morning in China.  Look forward to your broadcast tonight.

Oh yes, speaking of sweating.  It is 20 degrees cooler with Edouard passing over North Texas.  AAaahh......
Hello,
Your final piece on the classical  break  in Chicago was  great. I  live in the suburbs of Chicago and would love to have something like that locally. It shows how much our great big city offers. Great job on the newcast we all have those days when things just don't go our way. Look forward to watching tonight.
Hi Brian,

Being a little scattered is nothing to be ashamed of. We know that you are a perfectionist but no worries.  Your piece on Chicago's classical break was quite refreshing.  I'd like to see that musical interlude   here in Eugene.

Enjoy your trip and stay healthy.  
I don't hear you make any mistakes.You always seem focused and interested in your work.Your news is quite informative and accurate.I always learn a lot,and am grateful to be able to see a good anchorman and newscast.Have a fun and safe trip to beijing!I look forward to seeing you there!
hi brian,i think you are being modest.i didnt hear any mistakes!!!!!!!you're a great guy and newscaster!brag!!!!!dont worry,the excitement is probably taking its toll.I think that you'll be better next time.have an awesome trip to beijing!!!I hope to see you there!!!!!you're a #1 newsanchor.bye!!!!!!!!!!


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