ABOUT THIS BLOG

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.



The gathering crowd

Posted: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:54 PM by Sam Singal

By Brian Williams, Anchor and managing editor

Outside our building, crowds are already pressing against the barricades for tonight's Christmas tree lighting. The history of the tree is great, its roots are modest but these days, largely because of NBC's live telecast, the event has become massive...and quite frankly, other than the parties in every 30 Rock office with a tree-view (watch the live coverage to see how many people flash their office lights in order to be seen on live TV) it's a good day to avoid this building. We employees usually try to get clear of the place after our broadcast by using underground tunnels across 6th Avenue. For the television audience at home (and for those lucky enough for a good spot in the crowd and some source of warmth on a cold winter night) it's a great sight to witness...and it comes at a good time. I was just checking the headlines on the web. A sampling: CHRYSLER EXEC: FAILURE COULD SPARK DEPRESSION, FEDS TO EXPAND RESCUE; REVIEWING HUNDREDS OF BANKS, MORE JOB CUTS AT TIME, BALLY TOTAL FITNESS FILES CHAPTER 11. It's a grim holiday season for a lot of people. Tonight, for a while at least, music and light will distract us.

We hope you can join us tonight.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

Brian -  Sorry, but it's Choir practice night at St. Peter's in Cheshire where we will be doing a service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday December 21 at 4PM.
All Welcome.
Joan
Dear Brian,

I guess it's going to be a blue Christmas for a lot of us this year.  There is so much terrible news out there that it's hard to stay positive.  I have been trying to cheer myself up by retreating into the music of my adolescence and young adulthood.  Life was challenging then, too, but I had more of a stomach to deal with it, I suppose.  Anyway, I've been listening a lot to "Maria McKee," by Maria McKee - her first album post-Lone Justice.  It served as the "soundtrack" to what was a very sad time in my life, and I still find comfort in it now.  It sure beats Christmas carols.  Bah humbug.

Anna:  I was going to respond to Marc's criticism of my post from the other day, but I see you took care of that for me.  Thanks.  I think he totally missed my point.

Celine:  RE has been on "Morning Joe" recently, too.  I do prefer Rachel's format, though - she spends more time on each subject.  Yes, Richard Engel and Dr. Rachel Maddow - two 35-year-old Stanford grads engaging in intelligent discourse on important topics.  How refreshing!  It's so much better than veteran blowhard pundits shouting over each other!  Thank you, Rachel Maddow!

Good night and lots of love to all the usual suspects.  XOXO
I saw a clip on divers tonight and I want to know more about Mark Hinz.  I think I worked with him years ago.  
Your news stories were especially good
this evening.  I enjoyed the one on keeping
your mind sharp at a certain age  Acting
is infinitely more appealing than playing
cards.  Last night we attended our stockbroker's
Xmas party and my husband and I sat next
to the nicest couple you would want to meet.
I would guess they were about 20 years older
than us and had recently moved into a
retirement community.  Anyway, they love
playing Bridge to keep sharp which would
bore me.  To each his own, right?  Memorizing
lines would work for me.
And I wish former President Bush a happy
landing too.
You're right.  Enough about  Al Roker.
Just kidding--A great guy!!!

Dear Brian,
I am confused. You/NBC run numerous stories on saving the environment, yet the national news and my local - LA news reinforces utilizing electricity to the maximum by showiing home ownes who have money to burn and no concwpt of conservation, as the have more electric holiday lights on their houses then most small cities use in a week. Help me understand the message. Should I conserve and help the planet or do I cover my house in lights so you will show me on the news?
Melanee
Brian,

I have to tell you, if you ever want to donate your suits, send them to me.  You are with out a doubt the best dresses news anchor.  The first thing out of my mouth when I watch is..."Thats a nice suit!"  Thanks for the uplifting visual.

Troy Pru, Boise, ID.
Brian, I usually enjoy all of the broadcasts but as I read some of the comments, people need to lighten up and think about each and every other person affected by current events and take concern for others not so fortunate. Life is way to short to worry about all the stuff we worry about. Enjoy the season and get some cheer forevermore! As always take care.
http://fotki.yandex.ru/tags/%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B4/users/nazipha/view/120371?how=week&page=1
we have large reining without snow and +7C
how i wish to have a generous new year

best wishes to Mr Brian
Speaking of distraction, you're quite good at it.

It now comes out that 74% of Barack Obama's campaign contributions came from LARGE donations....not the "small ones" the media kept hyping.

Why were you not investigating and reporting this during the campaign, Brian?
Seems you had time to cover ever so many insignificant items....which could be called distractions.
Happy Thursday!  The week has flown once again.   I sure enjoyed the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockerfeller center.  There are just so many fun things to do in NYC.

Beyonce looked like an angel last night singing Ava Maria with St. Peter's in the background.   What a beautiful voice.   Oh, yes and the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus.  The children keep ole Mom rocking with them.  Loved that Jonas Brothers plaid jacket! The show was just SO good and a little something for everyone.

The rush of the season is setting in this year.  I don't seem as organized for some reason but I determined I would just go with the flow and have fun.

Peace and joy of the holiday season to All!
BRIAN,
I JUST WANT TO SAY I'M SICK TO DEATH OF HEARING ABOUT THE BAILOUTS FOR THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRIES. I HAVE BEEN A REGISTERED NURSE FOR 22 YEARS, I MANAGE AN ONCOLOGY DEPT. I DO NOT MAKE $73.00 AN HOUR. I AM OUTRAGED THAT THESE EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WILLING TO TAKE A CUT IN PAY TO SAVE THEIR COMPANIES, THEY WOULD RATHER LOOOSE THEIR JOBS THAN BE FLEXIBLE....I SAY SEND THEM OUT THE DOOR. I WORK IN A SMALL RUAL HOSPITAL AND LIKE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, WE ARE FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THE FINANCAL STRAIN. WE HAVE CUT BACK AND AS YOU KNOW THERE IS A NURSING SHORTAGE AS WELL. WE ARE DOING MORE WITH LESS AND IT INFURATES ME TO SEE NURSES WORK SO HARD FOR $25.00 AN HOUR WHEN THESE AUTOMOBILE EMPLOYEES ARE MAKING 3 TIMES AS MUCH WITHOUT ANY COLLEGE EDUCATION!! WHO IS GOING TO BAIL OUT THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY? IF THIS BAILOUT GOES THROUGH, I WILL NEVER BUY AN AMERICAN  MADE CAR AGAIN.
Brian,
I appreciate your update on former President Bush and the status of his hip.  My daughter recently tore her acl and the Rice wellness center sent us across the street to the medical center and an unfamiliar orthopedic surgeon. I was wondering about him until I learned Mr. Bush was in the room next door to her! I decided we were in good hands.  Glad to hear both the former President and Mrs. Bush are doing better.
I would just like to ask a question since it seems none of my elected officials care about what us tax payers think about how they are spending our money my question is what in the world will we do if this BIG 3 BAILOUT does not work? i'll bet there are alot of AMERICAN TAXPAYERS out there that wish they were also TO BIG TO FAIL!!!!!!!!
Good Evening Mr.Wiliiam, I posted last night and I guess they missed me so I will post again tonight. Another fine broadcast this evening Mr.Williams. It is great the tree is lit and you have a great view from your office. Now on to the broadcast. The report by Savannah Guthrie concerning the appointments of Cabinet members by President-Elect Obama cetainly shows a diverse group of people. They have their work cut out for them with the huge issues at stake.

The report by Mr.Miller from Zimbabwe exhibited some very desperate and dangerous conditions for the people and with contaminated water and no medical care it is understandable why people would want to flee the region. I hope they find safer and better places to reside.
The report by Mr.Taibbi concerning the repairs of the plumbing in New York city was interesting. I hope that all of the leaks get repaired because it has really caused problems for residents.
The piece by Mr.Tibbles about the seniors staying mentally sharp taking acting classes shows how keeping the mind and body active is extremely helpful in a long an healthy life.
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Celine-I did see Richard when he was on Rachel Maddow's show and I loved it! He enjoyed the computer map and the graphics! I knew he wrote with his left hand because he signed my copy of his book with his left hand. I have enjoyed his appearances on Morning Joe too!
I agree with Laurel that two 35yrold Stanford Graduates having an intelligent conversation is very refreshing!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! Always enjoy seeing you on MSNBC and Nightly News!
XOXO
Brian:
Lead off story – please get real…  “Arrested like a common criminal…”  A common criminal would not have gotten a phone call that allowed him to shower and shave before being arrested without media watchdogs.   Only Democrats get treated that well.  
Bruce Olson


SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

RECENT STORIES FROM NIGHTLY NEWS

  • Nightly News section front

CONNECT WITH US

About the broadcast | Biographies

RSS is an easy way to get the news you want as it is updated even if you are not on MSNBC.com. More information about MSNBC.com's RSS feeds.

Subscribe to feed

Podcasting brings you audio and video from each weekday broadcast on your iPod or other portable MP3 player anytime, anywhere. More information about MSNBC.com's podcasts.

Subscribe to podcast

Sign-up for our daily e-mail newsletter. It offers a preview of the stories and special reports featured on each weekday broadcast.


Syndicate This Site

Add The Daily Nightly to your news reader:
live.com xml
myyahoo msn
bloglines newsgator
google