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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.



Your attention, please

Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 4:13 PM by Daily Nightly Editor
Filed Under:

Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor

I'd like to make a special plea for your attention: tonight we are doing a follow-up Making a Difference report.  It's actually a report on the generosity of our viewers.  Last Friday from Afghanistan, we first aired the story of an orphanage on Nightly News.  It is the home to 67 girls and several boys -- and it is an infectiously happy place.  We aired the story, along with information on how our viewers could contribute.  In the time it took us to fly home to New York, our viewers had donated more than $50,000 -- and since we've been back, we sent a camera crew back to the orphanage to measure how this segment has assisted them. 

So please watch tonight's follow-up along 
with us -- and most importantly: thank you for your generosity, thank you for not letting me down...and thank you for what you have done for those wonderful children.  I'm told that adoption from Afghanistan is virtually impossible... and yes, I wanted to take them all home.  I hope you can join us for the entire broadcast this evening. 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

How to help:

Afghan Child Education and Care Organization (AFCECO) is an Afghan non-profit organization based in Kabul, founded by a group of volunteers in 2001. They are working with international partners in the United States, Italy, and Australia on projects that benefit Afghan children.

If you would like to sponsor an Afghan child or make a donation online, please visit:  www.charityhelp.org/afceco

AFCECO
P.O. Box 5820
Kabul, Afghanistan
info@afceco.org
www.afceco.org

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Comments

We have been waiting on this.
Friend just buzzed, saying, one word:
“Awesome.”
She’s a huge fan of “Nightly” and Brian.
Read that Tina Fey is welcoming Brian back to “30 Rock” for his second cameo.
The article is an interesting read.  


Hi Brian:

I saw the original report while you were in Afghanistan and it hit my heart really strongly. I, like many other vieweres, immediately had to send in a donation.  It wasn't as mauch as I wish it could have been but hopefully soon I can do more.  It feels so good to know that I helped these children. I know all of  your viewers have big hearts.  I can't wait to see the report tonight.  
This was a wonderful story and brought me to tears.  Those poor children.  yet they seem so happy -- and that is wonderful.Kudos for presenting this and to the woman who cares for them.  I made a donation -- not as much as I would have liked, but from my heart.  And in listening to your broadcast over the days, I can see many were influenced....
It is sooo wonderful to see the Media doing something so positive!  To help children of any nation is to help the future of all nations. Brian Williams and NBC makes us all very proud to be Americans. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Are you kidding me?  Do you realize how many children in the U.S.A. are needing this same kind of help?  I have a granddaughter that needs this same kind of "sponsorship".  When is everyone going to realize that we need to help "our own children"?
Thanks,Brian.  News is usually negative, so I've taken to avoiding it.  Tonight I'm inspired.  I'm the father of three lovely girls who have all the opportunity in the world.  I'd like to help give that same opportunity to somebody else.  As soon as I can get to the web site (obviously over-loaded from your story), I will make a substantial contribution.  Note: we have two spare bedrooms (two in college) if you can help us figure out how, we have room.
Brian,
Like all your viewers I was touched by
the story about the children in the
orphanage in Kabul, Afganistan and
believe they have a bright future
because of this astonishingly beautiful
woman who found her life's work because
of them, a wonderfully sweet story.
Your viewers were so generous.  $50,000
Wow!!!

The judge who refused to marry the
interracial couple resigned as well
as he should have.  His rationale was
about the children of such a marriage
which I have  heard a lot but it's
a big old world out there and most
kids have it tough.

I do hope there was not foul play with
the three friends in N.D.

Phyllis
Are you kidding? $50,000 a generous contribution
from a nation of more than 200 million people?
Brian alone could pony up $100K or more easily.
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. This "Making A Difference" segment about the children at this Afghanistan orphanage touched so many hearts and it is wonderful viewers gave so much and are sponsoring so many children. What a truly heartwarming thing!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Todd on election night in many States with some close races. It will be interesting to see the outcomes in the key States such as New Jersey,Virginia and New York. Time will tell how this all plays out tonight and if there will be any run-offs.
The report from Mr.Bazell concerning swine flu showed the virus is not only infecting younger people, but older adults as well. It is tragic to hear of the 51yr old teacher who died of the swine flu. The vaccine is vitally important and especially for people at high risk. Hopefully, more vaccine will become available and everyone will be able to get vaccinated.
The report by Mr.Costello about the chemical BPA being found in not just plastic bottles, but also other brand name canned foods was disturbing news. Hearing the research study discovered measurable levels of the chemical in all the foods tested certainly raises concern for comsumers. Yet, the FDA is stating the packaging is safe. One awaits any more results as the month progresses.

On another note the report by Chris Jansing concerning head injuries to boys on the football field shows how terrible the consequences from being hit so hard on the field. The young man featured in the piece who sufferred such a terrible head injury that he was in a coma for 40day was heartwrenching. He is slowly improving each day learning to walk again and making great steps all the time.
The rule to not allow players on the field without medical clearance in a good thing. Preventing any more serious injuries on the field.

The updated report on the orphanage in Afghanistan and the reaction of Andeisha Farid to all the generous donations,emails and sponsorships for the children was heartwarming to see. Seeing the children writing thank you notes to viewers simply warms the heart and soul. Those children need to know they are loved and cared for by many people and it was wonderful to see them so happy and excited. All your viewers have huge hearts! One hopes for only the best for all the children!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Anna-Richard's twitter address is richardengelnbc. I always love following Richard on twitter!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO  
Good evening,

Brian, those beautiful children at the Afghan orphanage won our hearts and minds. It is so wonderful to hear and see what the generosity of your Nightly News viewers did for these children. It's so heartwarming to see the children are happy and grateful, and heartwarming to know that there are people out there who will get up and do something for these children. As I said before, I'm a college student without a job at the moment, but I promise to do all I can to contribute to these children. I am so humbled by the kindest efforts made by my fellow viewers of Nightly News. Thank you, Brian, for taking your Making A Difference segment to pay thanks to all of the Nightly News viewers who have made such a difference for these beautiful Afghan children! I love all of you, and I hope I'll be joining in the contribution soon!

Thank you for the entire broadcast tonight, Brian. I'll be staying up to watch the results of our election while finishing up homework. Feels good to get another "I Voted!" sticker -- the second times a charm!

Have a wonderful evening, and take care!
-Cary
Mr. Williams,

A great way to support the children of Afghanistan! Because we believe in you, we feel assured that this help is going to the right place.

These kids deserve a chance.
Please, please put the Annapolis, MD address on the first page of your report.  I read it Friday, and opted not to mail a check to Kabul!  I have been there, and I know :-)  

Checking deeper after tonights story gives me a better option.  Many, many Thanks!  I adore Brian W.
Hi:  I tried to make a small donation through my credit card and the credit card company called to say that it was denied because of security concerns.  Is there a central clearing house in the States that can accept checks for this?  Thank you.  P. S.  Because of the bank's concern, I opted not to put this through on a credit card.
Brian,
I just heard that the college students
were found dead in pond.

Phyllis
Hi! I was very excited to hear about how much everyone had all donated. To be completely honest, it's hard to donate as much as one would hope to when your in college, but being able to see that others had given was very inspiring. I hope every one of the children is able to gain something from this, and I wish them all the best of luck.
I am a loyal Brian fan but sadly he is becoming stale. The overkill of stories like Swine flu reminds me of CNN. I hope he becomes aware of this meaningless state he is entering and goes back to reporting meaningful news.
Hi Brian good to see those who are helping the children of Afghanistan. Right now we're set up help for Military Families and my group now is giving help to those Families who aren't getting unemployment checks. We're doing what we can because so many in our country are suffering right now. Just the basics such as food and clothes.

I saw a speech by President Karzai as he praised his friends the Taliban and smiled as he said for the US and all to get giving money to the Afghanistan Govenment and the Afghan people.  He said he would work closely with the Taliban but refuse to work with Abdullah and others. It's time for President Obama to deal with real Rulers of Afghanistan and that's the Taliban as Karzai works for them not his citizens. Doing the same thing over again and expecting different results is call insanity.

Looks like virginia made their decision on Governor. I hope the new Governor will work to help the citizens and not follow Republican Leader Rush Limbaugh's call for Obama and the US to fail.

After the release of the Bush/Cheney documents it's clear the Media Anchors were used to spread the lies. Dick Cheney even lied to the CIA. Many Americans who support the GOP efforts to destroy Obama/Biden will be glad to know Bush/Cheney Administation brought more corruption then ever in the History of the United States.

As we see the lines for those who don't have doctors or health insurance we hear how great Americans are doing in the health department and don't need a Health Care Plan.

Have a great evening all
Hi Brian,

I hope you're getting some rest after having been in Afghanistan for a week.

It's strange as to what happened to the three colleges students in N.D. Now that their story has aired, someone may have seen something and they'll be found.
It reminds me of a story I wrote about a couple of wks. ago that never made it to any nightly news broadcast, that I know of. Mitrice Richardson went missing on Sept. 17, after being released by the Malibu Police Dept. She was arrested(from what I understand) for not being able to pay a resturant bill and her having a joint in her car(?) Her car was impounded. When she left the Police Dept., Mitrice had no money, I.D., cell phone, transportation, or any assistance. She's said to have mental problems, but was a grad student. This is the website again. Maybe someone will find her as well as the other college students:
http://sites.google.com/site/findmitrice/

It's hard to believe that the Cleveland Police didn't have their suspicions about the sex offender who had ten bodies(at last count)in his house. They knew of all the disappearences that had been taking place in the Cleveland area. You'd think that they could have had some probable cause to get a search warrant. It's been known for mos. that there was a possible serial killer in the Cleveland area targeting what was thought to be prostitutes. The first thing you check is knownsex offenders. This one reminds me of the Jeffrey Daumer case. There were so many possible chances and people, including the police, just looked the other way. I think it has to do with race, poverty, stereotypes, etc. when it comes to getting the public's attention via the police--what cases are deemed worthy of investigating.

Brian, I wasn't able to see your broadcast on Fri. night, so I missed the segment on the Afghan orphanage. I'm glad that they're getting a lot of responses. It's sad that a particular country would make it difficult for a child to be adopted. There are also numerous websites that your viewers can check out regarding a lot of American Indian children who are in need of donations.


I hope you can have time to check out the full moon shining brightly over the Manhattan skyline. Evidently people have a chance to vote on a name(see Farmer's Almanac.) This one is called "Thankful moon."
It used to be referred to "Beaver's moon."

OK, now Brian, I hope you'll hear me when I scream out
"Go Yankess!!" "I luv you Jeter...and Brian."

Have a great evening. I'll see you back here or there tomorrow night.

Hello Brian, Your piece on the Afghan orphanage was inspiring.  Inspiration seems to be one of your best attributes!  Anyway, I will be sponsoring a child as soon as I access the website.  It's apparantly very busy at this hour.  I suppose that's a good thing.  I'm recently retired from one of the largest police forces in the country and have been looking for a "cause" if you will.  I do my part at the local high school where my sons attend school.  I'd love to volunteer my services, home, income, etc. to a child from Afghanistan.  I would love to accompany your team, the next time you travel there.  If you think I could be of any use, please let me know.  Keep up the good work.  It "makes a difference"!
Brian, your Afghan orphan report has profoundly touched my heart.  My wife suggested that I think about the poor and needy right here in America, but i had to remind her that the orphans here have not lost generations to ravaging war, poverty and corruption that was no fault of their own, therefore I am sending what I can which won't be much because we are struggling desperately, but surely not as much as the children of your report.  God bless you my friend, keep up the excellent work, and i will see you each night as I have for years.
I saw your broadcast this evening and was deeply touched.  The faces of the children truly hit home. As an educator and college counselor, I welcome the opportunity to assist in any educational capacity that might be needed.  Keep up the great work and reporting.
Dear Brian:
Keep up the great reporting on the orphanage in Afghanistan. It would be a pleasure to provide you a donation for this outstanding organization. Maybe you could report again on how they are doing over the next few months.
Afghanistan Orphanage is of course a great thing from the American Heart. What would be greater if there was no need for the orphanage in the first place! Come on America, anticipating is not a disease. Why do we wait till after the fact to help? Wake Up! "War is not the answer, only love (and education) can conquer hate...". We are a predominately Christian country, right? Wasn't it Jesus who said "Love your enemy"
$2.5 billion = 1 b-2 bomber
2.5 billion = 1 Polaris submarine
1.5 million to maintain just 1 aircraft carrier for  1 year
100 million land mines in 62 countries of the world; $3.00 a piece to put them in them ground, $1000. a piece to take them out, except those of course that are stepped on...by children in many cases.

What if this money went to Heath Care, Education, and Housing?

Hopefully food for thought that leads to action!!!

Thanks for "listening"
Peace
Hi brian, good job as always on nightly news, I try not to miss any news when youre on. You really make the news enjoyable. You are great on 30 rock. Youre funny but just stick to the news.
Ahh Brian~
If you could...maybe you and Ann Curry could keep tabs on these kids over the next 10 years to see how they have grown and to hear from them on a personal note of there life in Afghanistan.
I know all of your viewers would love to see this!
Brian Williams makes me want to puke.  His government spends billions of dollars making war on afgan civilians, and he pats himself on the back, because his viewers contribute $50,000 dollars to the relief of afgan civilians. You are a joke Brian
Hi Brian:

A really great broadcast tonight.  

It will be interesting to see how the elections turn out today.  I have heard that many people say that they are sending a message to the President that they are not truly happy with his performance and the lack of success with his plans, by voting Republican.  That's really not fair.  He came into this Presidency ready to work and was handed problem upon problem from the Bush Administration that he had no control over.  He hasn't failed he just has not been able to do all that he has taken on.  It can't be done all at one time.  No matter how the elections play out it is important that both Democrates and Republicans realize that people are scrutenizing all of them and what they do and don't do.  

I am an avid bottled water drinker and the news of the BPA in the bottles is a little scary.  I know that the report says it is still safe but until we get the results of the study from the government, I just may have to try to cut back on the bottles and drink more filtered water from our tap.

It is great to hear that GM & Ford sales are up.  I hope it continues.

It was very sad to hear that the three North Dakota college students that disappared were found dead.  Our hearts go out to their families and friends.

I am so grateful that my kids are adults and during their time in sports they were not injured.  It was scary each time they did get on a field but thankfully they came through it without injury.  I would not want to be a parent of an athlete right now, watching and hoping nothing goes wrong.  I hope that something is done to help thwart these horrible injuries.

Wow, I agree, we, your viewers are awesome and have big hearts.  It was wonderful to see your report last week and it was incredible to hear what has been done to help these children since then.  These children have been given as normal a life they can possibly get despite where they are and what is going on around them by Ms. Farid.  Her efforts to keep them safe and nurture them are incredible.  It felt good to make a donation and I hope to do more.  WAY TO GO VIEWERS!!!!!!! We just need to keep up the good work.

Brian, thanks for a great broadcast and the best yet story to end it.  Love it when you are in that shirt and tie. You look awesome.  I think that might just be my favorite.   Hope the rest of your evening is great.  See you tomorrow on the broadcast.  
Dear Brian,
Thank you for bringing a bit of humanity to the war in Afganistan with your story on the orphans. It's important to be reminded that we can maintain dignity and hope in such a bleak situation.  
Jennifer, Los Angeles, CA
Brian, thank you so much for not just one, but two “Making a Difference” reports on these orphanages.  Your viewers are indeed generous and caring people.  The children are wonderful and deserving and now new sponsors will be able to enjoy (and it is a joy!) personal relationships with them and know that their help will go toward keeping them safe and happy and, more than that, prepare them for a better future.

I have been a child sponsor for several years.  I started out with just one child and then found that I couldn’t stop there, because the need is so great and the results of Andeisha’s  work so positive and worthwhile.  So, now I find myself sponsoring 10 children and, if I could do more, I surely would.  The waiting list is long, with poor and broken families from every province in Afghanistan hoping that their children will have this chance.
I've been working with an orphanage in Chennai, India that helps children whose parents suffer with leprosy.  The children get an education, learn English, and have their lives changed forever.  I've been trying to raise money for these children for years and in one night you raised $50,000 for the orphanage in Afghanistan.  I sure wish our organization, Rising Star Outreach, could have the American public get a chance to hear how we need their help too.
What a wonderful story and chance to help these victims of a ruthless war. A war not only tearing countries apart, but children from their families. I am just now finishing my sponsorship form and look forward to a close and direct friendship with the child as well as potential for meeting. We live in the UAE and my husband flies freight into Kabul quite a bit. It will be enormous if we're given the opportunity to fly gifts there as well. Thank you Brian and MSNBC for bringing this story not only to America, but to Americans living abroad.
I invite all new AFCECO sponsors and donors to join us on the AFCECO sponsors' community website (http://www.hopeforafghanchildren.org). There, you'll be able to learn more about the orphanages' work and share ideas about how to ensure a bright future for these children.

Our aim is not only to support and connect sponsors, but also to support Andeisha and Jamshid in their work in Kabul and perhaps lighten their load just a little.
Thank you SO VERY MUCH Brian for your "Making a Difference" stories, especially this one on Afghanistan! The young woman, Andisha Farid, is absolutely amazing!  What a special person!  We cried in sadness on Friday and in great happiness last night at the response of viewers and the smiles of the kids.  As retirees, we don't have much have chosen to make a donation as Christmas gifts rather giving material goods to "support the economy" .

While we would die of shock if you were to report it, wouldn't it be wonderful if the Bush and Cheney families would choose to use their substantial personal wealth to sponsor all the remaining children until we are out of Afganistan - or longer?  Seems the least they can do for being the parties responsible for exacerbating what was already a bad situation for all Afghans!
I thought it would interest all to know that the family of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Forrest Leamon, who was killed in Afghanistan last month, asked that his memory be honored by contributions to AFCECO in lieu of flowers.  We should all be so proud of the Americans that are serving in Afghanistan.
Dear Mr. Brian Williams,

I enjoyed all of the reporting from Afghanistan.  I am so glad that you and your crew are home on U.S. soil safe and sound.  I was praying for all of you.  It's always good to see children's happy smiles even in the middle of a war zone.  I hope that all of the donations make a difference in the lives of those children.  I just really loved that story because I am currently in college to become a teacher even though I already have my bachelors degree.  I love seeing how much impact you can have in a child's life on a daily basis and I can't wait until I have my own class.  This is the best decision I've ever made in my life.

Oh yeah...I often watch the broadcast online, and I happened to search your name.  I thought that it was funny that it says on Wikipedia that you were born in Berkeley, California.  So that's why you wear Birkenstocks with your suit...ha ha!

Have a great day!

Elizabeth :)
I just adopted a kid named Milad.  I am legally blind and I know what it is like to need support.  I am going to school to be a history teacher.  I have offerd my help in any way with the organization.  I helped teach English to people from Afganistan.  I can not tell you how much joy it gives me to support something like this.
Hi Brian! I am the person that sent you the purple Thai silk necktie. I have seen you wear it. Glad you liked it. On behalf of the dog lovers of California wear it in good health. We still are waiting for an acknowledgement of the tie simply because nobody believes us when we tell them we sent it to you!! More on the way, Sue and Irma
afhan children most lucy than us children you feel so much about them you see worldwise howmany childrenin srilanka refguges camp forcerly seperated from their parents and they treat them nasytype camp
afhan children most lucy than us children you feel so much about them you see worldwise howmany childrenin srilanka refguges camp forcerly seperated from their parents and they treat them nasytype camp
To: BW and all the staff

My mother is 90 and has given up viewing  most news programs because of the amount of negative news. Your program alone survives as her window on the world. It does so because of its positive endings. Please continue to let us all know that there are many good people left in our world.  We all need that uplift at the end of a long hard day....especially in these difficult times.  
Welcome home and tell your family we know how they worry when you travel, and we say prayers for all of you.
Ok, so here we go supporting another "media stars" plea for help in another country, where and when are any of them going to make such a plea for the children here in the U.S.? He could have easily have just donated that right out of his own pocket, go begging the citizens of the U.S. to pay for things their own government should be doing, it is so disgusting that all of the governments in these areas are so uncaring of their own people, yet they (the govt' officials) don't go to bed hungry, sleep on dirt floors, have no healthcare available to them, and I imagine their children aren't being kept from an education. Just what the hell are they doing with all the funds from the U.S. and other supporters? Spending it on military, artillery, and lining their own pockets deeper...it will never change. We don't even make sure every AMERICAN born man, woman & child is taken care of before those outside our country are..but bring in an illegal and they are given ALL AND EVERY BENEFIT  they can use, free homes, free food, free educations, hell we even go out of our way to make our AMERICAN teachers, health workers, social workers learn spanish to assist the NON ENGLISH SPEAKING standing there for a handout.. OUR government is proving more and more each day BEING BORN AN AMERICAN means nothing, if anything takes away the hope of an AMERICAN DREAM, but hey, there sure are plenty of illegals enjoying it for us!


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