Name the announcer

William, Denver, CO — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:04:58 GMT

Morgan Freeman or James Earl Jones.

Name the announcer

Greg, Chandler, AZ — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:46:43 GMT

Brian...I thought the announcer would be Tom Brokaw, but I am going to guess James Lipton. Only because he works for Bravo, which is apart of NBC Universal. Also, he is a great actor.

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babu s patel woods cross ut — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:02:31 GMT

i guess it must be "jane pauly".

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DancingSpiderman, Glendale AZ — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:24:16 GMT

Yeah, the new announcer dude will be none other than Don LaFontaine, the voice of the movie previews.

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Phoebe Emmons — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:52:20 GMT

Could it be Santa?

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Phoebe Emmons — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:56:04 GMT

I enjoy Brian's report especially the light stories, and his obvious compassion for others.

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JIM CUMMINGS,FALLRIVER,MA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:18:11 GMT

I AGREE WITH WILLIAM FROM AZ. JAMES EARL JONES

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Howard Hoffman, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:44:24 GMT

Unfortunately, it's not me. (NBC...call me!)

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g.eglesias'nepa — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:18:42 GMT

I'm going to take a wild guess and say...Katie Couric??

Name the announcer

Diana Fleenor, Rogersville, TN — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:52:01 GMT

If we can consider "The Price is Right" as theatrical, I'm guessing Bob Barker. Also, I try to let nothing stop me from watching the Evening News with Brian Williams. He appears to always be so collective and aspiring at a time of day when I need a lift.

Name the announcer

Joe, Raleigh NC — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:14:16 GMT

I am going to have to go with Dancing Spiderman from Glendale with this one. I hope it is Don LaFontaine. His voice is deep and dramtic.

Name the announcer

Daniel Ward — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:19:11 GMT

I have been a fan of Brian's for the past 2 years. The one thing that has my brain in a constant state of curiosity, is why does Brain wear a lavender tie at least twice a week? Is their message there, or is it coincidental?

Name the announcer

Eileen Litts, Wallkill, New York — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:42:58 GMT

James Earl Jones or Morgan Freeman

Name the announcer

Jon Kennedy, Peoria, IL — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 17:52:45 GMT

Mike Tyson, he has such a nice speaking voice.

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Jim Smith, NYC, NY — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:29:49 GMT

Don Pardo?

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Robert L. Ware — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:31:33 GMT

My guess is Sir Ian Murray McKellen, CBE (born 25 May 1939) is an English stage and screen actor, the recipient of the Tony Award and two Oscar nominations. McKellen is best known to moviegoers in recent years for his roles as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and as Magneto in the X-Men trilogy. His work has spanned genres from serious Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. He was made a CBE in 1979 and knighted in the 1991 New Year Honours for his outstanding work and contributions to the theatre.

rlw

Name the announcer

Helena Montana — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:33:25 GMT

Who cares?

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JP, Helena, MT — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:35:29 GMT

I think Gene Hackman would be great.

Name the announcer

Robert L. Ware, Racine, Wisconsin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:37:14 GMT

My guess is Michael York---he was born in Fulmer, England, 27 March 1942. He performed on stage with the National Youth Theatre in London's East End and on international tour. Other early acting experience came through the Oxford University Dramatic Society (he graduated Oxford 1964), the Dundee Repertory, and Laurence Olivier's National Theater Company.

rlw

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Abe Rosenberg — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:04:17 GMT

40 years in theater... CAROL CHANNING!

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Manny — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:24:17 GMT

It should be Tom Brokaw!!

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Dave Logan Balad, Iraq — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:43:32 GMT

I think it may be Matt Lauer..(sorry Matt if I misspelled your last name) either or, I'll still keep on watching.....

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Lourdes Beauchamp Perez — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:18:28 GMT

Whether it's James Earl Jones or Anthony Hopkins, I hope this will not change the quality of Nightly News which is the real reason I watch Brian Williams every night. I really enjoy the "People making a difference segment" Good luck to you Brian, and know that it is an honor to listen to you every night.

Name the announcer

Lourdes Beauchamp Perez — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:20:16 GMT

Name the announcer

Alejandra Palacios Los Angeles, California — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:41:51 GMT

I hope that it will be James Earl Jones

Name the announcer

Jan Turner, Grass Valley, CA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:08:06 GMT

Dear Brian, it was with such sadness that I watched the human Katria aftermath last Friday that still exists in New Orleans. We can help rebuild tourist attractions in other countries where mass tradedy has occured, but we cannot take care of our own..It is such a shame that the United States government is so helpless to help our own.

Name the announcer

Sherry, NOT NYC — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:20:14 GMT

Theatrical? Hmmm... I was going to guess the lovely and talented NBC announcer and voice of "Saturday Night Live" veteran Don Pardo.

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C.K., Tennessee — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:53:27 GMT

I don't know, but the new announcer may be either James Earl Jones or perhaps George Clooney.

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Kyle, Olathe, Kansas — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:55:18 GMT

They could throw Martin Sheen out there. It would have to be an American or else the right would not stop bitching about it.

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Aanya, Westminster, Ca — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:23:43 GMT

It must be Lyle Waggoner

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Joe, Menlo Park, CA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:24:42 GMT

Elvis?

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Don B. Jonesboro, Ga. — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:26:06 GMT

He is the guy that does the football snippets.Can't recall his name.

Name the announcer

Aimes — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:30:01 GMT

Cookie Monster?

Name the announcer

Joe, Charleston, SC — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:44:03 GMT

My guess is Don LaFontaine, forty years in show business.

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Linda Daniels — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:44:59 GMT

I vote for Don LaFontane - GREAT VOICE

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Lauren , Eugene, Oregon — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:05:50 GMT

Patrick Stewart would be fantastic! Or even Sir Sean (Connery)

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Alexandra Demers, Scottsdale Arizona — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:32:01 GMT

Mathew Broderick!

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Jeremy, Cincinnati, OH — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:32:23 GMT

It's Michael Douglas

Name the announcer

James V., Lexington, KY — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:35:18 GMT

Michael Douglas.

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Shau Gerien, Selden, NY — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:35:32 GMT

Michael Douglas it is.

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Doyle Johnson — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:35:52 GMT

I believe it is Micheal Douglas.

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Shaun Gerien, Selden, NY — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:36:21 GMT

Douglas it is.

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E Gates, Richmond, VA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:37:26 GMT

It sounds like Jim Forbes, the man who did the voiceovers for the VH1 Behind the Music series.

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Justin Rockaway, NJ — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:40:52 GMT

Mr. Catherine Zeta Jones.

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Brad Gibson — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:40:58 GMT

It's Michael Douglas. Too bad he doesn't have any inflection in his voice or pacing. It sounds like he's just reading a script and has no real emphasis in his voice. Hell, I could have done a better job!

Name the announcer

Barbara — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:42:22 GMT

I think it is very bad that Jay Leno will pass the picket line. I loved his show, but will never tune in again as he now becomes a scab!
In support of the writers strike!

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Dad Sp33k — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:44:49 GMT

I'm glad Leno is going back live. The writers need to stop whining and get back to work. What a bunch of emo drama queens.

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David S. Calef, Spofford, NH — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:48:32 GMT

How about Richard Dreyfuss? Fine, distinquished actor, great voice......

Name the announcer

Curtis Jones, Detroit — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:50:17 GMT

What happened to using the great Howard Reig as the voice of Nightly News? Brian, your downhill spiral continues.

Name the announcer

Cheryl P., Platteville, WI — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:51:26 GMT

Well it is definately Michael Douglas. No offense, Michael, but I like the other gentleman. It just gives me a nostalgic feeling!

Name the announcer

David S. Calef, Spofford, NH — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:51:48 GMT

I take it back. Michael Douglas is who it must be.

Name the announcer

Kathryn Reig, Roseland, NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:44 GMT

Howard Reig was announcer for the Nightly News for 25 years. It was strange to hear the opening done by Michael Douglas. No offense meant to Douglas...it would have sounded strange from any other voice. Howard dedicated 61 years to the company, and as his biggest fan and daughter, I was disappointed (to say the least) that such a remarkable career was barely acknowledged. Thank you to Brian Williams for his kind words.

Name the announcer

mainah — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:01:46 GMT

That was a let down...but I supose in the whole scheme of things in 3-4 weeks this will all be forgotten!

Name the announcer

Deb Osting Platteville, Wi — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:03:49 GMT

Why would NBC hire Michael Douglas to announce the news cast? Give the job to someone who needs the money!

Name the announcer

Rick Doty — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:05:00 GMT

Howard Reed has a much better voice than Michael Douglas.Dump Douglas and go back to Reed.

Name the announcer

Dick Hubert, Rye Brook, New York — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:06:10 GMT

This household is truly disappointed with the choice of Michael Douglas for the Nightly News voice. It shows a total lack of management imagination. The classy thing to do would have been to have asked an NBC News personality - perhaps Tom Brokaw - still in good voice. Your old introduction was classy. this one is an embarassment.

And by the way, Douglas gave you a lousy reading. If you've paid the money, and are paying residuals, and have a contract, at least get another more authoritative reading. What you have is terrible.

Name the announcer

James Moran — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:06:53 GMT

Sorry Brian
Swing and a miss on this one . Michael Douglas is a fine actor but for this job he comes in a distant second to Howard Reig (or James Earl Jones or Patrick Stewart etc...)

Name the announcer

Skip S, Narragansett, Rhode Island — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:07:03 GMT

The "great" Michael Douglas???? Why give more publicity and, probably, money to him? Why not find a young, struggling actor with a deep, resonant voice, or a young struggling actress with a melodic voice, and give him/her a break and a chance? Disappointment describes my feelings about your excitement in whom you chose.

Name the announcer

Josh Parsippany NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:10:10 GMT

it should have been Tom Brokaw. He was what made NBC Nightly News. Shame on NBC for not chosing him

Name the announcer

Martin Allen North Andover MA. — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:10:11 GMT

Ok so it is Michael D, but something is missing. The voice lacks depth, volume, tone. Sound like he is just reading from a page. It needs more feeling. Come on Mike, all those Oscars and this is the best you can do ?

NBC, keep Mickie but bring him back in for a
re-take.

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MJ Huey, Cape Coral, FL — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:11:12 GMT

What a collosal disappointment. Wonder who he had to bribe for that gig?

Name the announcer

Allan, Judith, & Tevye Mandell Nashville TN — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:12:11 GMT

Brian,
Your former announcer sounded exactly like my uncle Bill who died over 40 years ago. Every night when I tuned into your show it was a familial reminder. Happy to hear the Michael finally "got work." Our whole family enjoys your show...including Michael.

Name the announcer

Crittenden — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:13:38 GMT

So your liberal left bosses decided to get Michael Douglas to intro your 'Nightly News', how appropriate.
I will no longer be turning on NBC for ANY reason. And I've been a watcher since the '60's. Keep turning left and you'll join 'Air America' in total viewers.

Name the announcer

Martha Putnam Sites, 40 Mead Street, Somerville, MA 02144 — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:13:53 GMT

OK, so you've gone with Michael Douglas (though the old guy was much better). But, PLEASE, re-record it with the diphthong in the word "news." It is not pronounced "nooze." It will set my teeth on edge every night until you correct it. I may actually go elsewhere!

Name the announcer

John Done, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:19:16 GMT

Michael Douglas it is, and his voice is flat and lacks any expression. Bad choice. Why the change? Trying to stop paying the other guy royalties for using his voice? Sorry about this all of you Brian Williams worshipers, but this is just one more instance of the way things have gone steadily down hill since Brokaw retired.

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John Chickering, Rockford, Michigan — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:23:11 GMT

Properly pronounced, "News" does not rhyme with "booze". Michael Douglas does a poor job in his deadpan monotone, announcing (what once was) the most prestigious newscast in the country. Your "decades long" announcer's delivery was elegant, eloquent; now Douglas' schelp brings us yet another example of how society, and reflecting it, broadcast news, are dumbing down...

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Patricia Cochran, Ewing, New Jersey — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:23:29 GMT

You can't be serious...Michael Douglas?? Surely there are numerous unemployed people with rich, resouding, voices who need the money much more than Mr. Douglas. Yes, I have always enjoyed his theatrical performances but I hope he is donating his salary to a charity!!!

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Bill Hamill,Glocester,RI — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:26:03 GMT

Why not Howard Reig? Michael didn't cut it. Can't wait to hear you on "EXTRA" Brian.

Name the announcer

Leigh — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:29:32 GMT

I don't like Michael Douglas doing this job at all. What is wrong with the way it was? I can understand wanting to change things to keep them current, but come on. Some things are better left alone

Name the announcer

Pam StJohn Glade Spring Va — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:34:39 GMT

excuse me but i fear you have made a big mistake! michael douglas does not have an announcers voice. i thought nbc would have enough sense to put tom brokaw in as your announcer. tom can talk to me anytime. but brian williams is the only one that could replace tom so i will continue to watch nbc nightly news as i have done for many many years. nbc is the best.

Name the announcer

Gary Press, New York, NY — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:39:58 GMT

I'm a big Michael Douglas fan. That is, Michael Douglas as an accomplished actor. But, Michael Douglas as a voice over announcer isn't a star.

It's really poor. Embarrassingly so!

A local station would never chose an audition tape sounding this way.

Well NBC News, you got your publicity, but I'm afraid we're all stuck with you terrible mistake!

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A.S., New York City — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:40:35 GMT

Using Michael Douglas as the announcer for Nightly News marks a historical low point for this program. This Multi-Millionaired actor offers no special magic and certainly doesn't need the gig. This is a snub to all the professional working class voice talent available here in New York City. Celebrity as news continues down its insidious path. Perhaps Nicole Kidman can promo the Today Show.

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Kathryn Reig, Roseland, NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:46:41 GMT

For more information on former Nightly News announcer, Howard Reig, visit www.HowardReig.com

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Jerry W. — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:51:13 GMT

Michael Douglas? He says "NBC Nightly Nooz." Not an inspired choice.

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Brian N.. Lutherville, MD — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:00:34 GMT

Where is Fred Facey's voice?

Name the announcer

Dinah Slaughter, Alton, MO — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:08:09 GMT

I just finished listening to Brian Williams announce that the "new, special announcer" is none other than Michael Douglas. PLEASE!!! There was no "oomph" to his voice and he sounds very boring! Did you guys have to pay him and if so, how much? Couldn't you have found an "unknown" to carry on this rich tradition? Maybe someone who could have used the money (if, in fact, you are paying him. I'm very disappointed and really don't relish having to hear Michael Douglas every night! You need to take a poll.......

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elaine riley,reidsville,nc — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:08:23 GMT

george clooney is my guess. he's doing a lot of commercials. he's good, nice voice.

Name the announcer

Josh Parsippany NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:12:30 GMT

NBC News you made a big mistake. How can you allow a classic to be taken over by a person that cannot pronounce the program that he is suppose to annouce. If anything you should get Tom Brokaw. Remeber Mr.Douglas will be anouncing NBC NEWS SPECIAL REPORTs NBC NEWS election coverage etc. You may lose a household of viewers because of it

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Jamie Diamond, Atlanta, GA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:19:33 GMT

I think Douglas is a fine choice. I probably would have liked Brokaw better, but given the trend of hiring younger and younger announcers, this could have turned out much worse than the above commenters are making all of this out to be. Stick with it NBC...people will get over it.

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Dad Sp33k — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:31:51 GMT

You people are a bunch of whining emos. I think Mr. Williams is entitled to pick a new person to introduce him. Do you really care that much?????? Don't you have more important things to get so worked up over??

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Robert Pisani — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:31:56 GMT

Couldn't NBC find anyone in your own organization rather than a celebrity who certainly doesn't need the position. It is disgusting and besides Douglas is not good as other announcers. I will change to ABC at 6:30 PM

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Nancy Collier, Roper, NC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:00:32 GMT

Good Grief! Doesn't Michael Douglas have enough money? Why can't rich and famous stars share some of the jobs with others who actually need a job? I get so tired of seeing and hearing the same ol' people.

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g.eglesias'pennsylvania — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:40:47 GMT

Michael Douglas is a poor choice. He does not have the voice to be a good announcer.-- "I don't think he is much of an actor either."

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Cory Carlisle, Bellingham, Washington — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:57:03 GMT

The opening of your program now lacks any sense of urgency or class. You can hardly hear the music in the headline bed, there is a cartoon of NBC News World Headquarters instead of the live shot of the building, and now Michael Douglas. How disappointing. By the way, why are you changing the announcer now? (Please do not say it is because you have been using a recording for a couple of years, Michael’s voice is a recording too.)

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Judith Stein, Long Branch, NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:15:03 GMT

What a disappointment! His diction is poor ("nooz"), his voice has no resonance, and even his reading of the line is flat and uninteresting. How could you have waited two years for this?? And couldn't your producers coach Douglas--a fine actor--to utter something more shapely and aesthetically pleasing, something with a little oomph and energy, something that makes viewers sit up and take notice of what they're about to watch?

I'll miss the rich, fruity tones of Howard Reig. He knew how an announcement should sound.

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Byron H., Rowland Heights, CA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:41:38 GMT

Whoa, what a major letdown! I'm sorry Brian but Mr. Douglas was a really bad choice. I was hoping for Tom Brokaw but anybody else would have been a much better selection! How about Sean "007" Connery. His voice for the intro would be a great conservative version of your SNL intro.

Please, retire Mr Douglas' intro ASAP!

Name the announcer

Joe, Menlo Park, CA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:33:07 GMT

That intro tonight by Michael Douglas sure was fun! Now can we get back to using Howard Reig's voice?

Or is it now official, NBC has flown over the cuckoo's nest?

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Susan Sherman, St. Paul — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:11:32 GMT

Michael Douglas is a poor replacement for Howard Reig. Why replace Mr. Reig anyway? Even in retirement, his nightly intro was one of the few reminders of NBC's once proud tradition.
MacDonald Carey has been dead 15 years, but his intro to Days Of Our Lives remains.
The peacock has lost another feather.

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Poppi, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:33:31 GMT

Dear Brian,

I'm sorry, but I couldn't believe the voice that was chosen and it had nothing to do with his being a celebrity. The voice should not only get your audiences attention, but inspire confidence that what is to follow is important...Michael's voice just doesn't do that in my opinion.

I will be submitting a tape of my announcing the show for your review.

Name the announcer

Diana Fleenor, Rogersville, TN — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:02:07 GMT

Michael Douglas?...the multi-billionaire?...Why is he not lying on a foreign beach somewhere sunbathing, instead of screwing up the first 20 sec. of our beloved, looking forward too watch, Nightly News. Please send him to the beach w/pay. I'll do it for nothing.

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Mary/David Livonia, MI — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:20:11 GMT

Michael Douglas is a very disappointing choice. This validates the intrusive celebrity obsession. A better idea would be to allow individuals to submit tapes or allow the local NBC affiliates to record the opening voice-over from people who choose to participate. The person's name and city could be placed at the bottom of the screen each night. Many years of tapes could be quickly accumulated.

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John Dudek — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:50:54 GMT

I just found out the voice is that of Michael Douglas. Wow, this writers strike is worse than I thought. First it was Leno then Letterman out of work. Now it's poor Michael Douglas who is working part time doing voiceovers. Well, at least the pay is good and there's no heavey lifting!

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Emad, Brooklyn, NYC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:48:30 GMT

Michael Douglas must be looking for work or was this a political decision? Harry Belafontane would have been much better and memorable.
Quoting Brian William's tired over-used phrase, "as always", thank you
Emad

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Shelley Gray. Atlanta, ga — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:57:46 GMT

I think you could have done better than Michael Douglas, there were much better choices than him.

Name the announcer

Donna, Adairsville, Georgia — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:28:19 GMT

Who cares? Seriously - how much did you have to pay Michael Douglas, and for how many years? I would think that the money would have been better spent on people whom REALLY NEED the money to feed, clothe and keep their families warm.

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john doe — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:57:40 GMT

michel douglas

Name the announcer

Joy Charleston — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:43:23 GMT

Brian,
What were you thinking? Did Michael need the money? It's hard to believe that he sounds so pasty...whimpy...that hunk of man sounds feminine..My neighbor, husband and I fainted. It sounds terrible. Sorry for you both. I will be watching another chanel that sounds like business instead of nothing.

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Diana barber — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:18:57 GMT

I think it's terrible that you picked Michael Douglas.His voice isn't stong and what does he have to do with news?I would think the news is getting like the national enquier.

Name the announcer

Becky Lewis, South Bend,IN. — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:51:09 GMT

Mr. Williams, Why did you replace Mr. Reig's voice?How did Mr. Reig feel about that. No offense to Mr. Douglas, but I prefer the original announcer- Mr. Reig! Mr. Williams (& Co.), if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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Pete Higgins, Monroe, La — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:54:18 GMT

Michael Douglas? What were you guys thinking??????

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Cory Moll, San Francisco — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:13:17 GMT

Nobody watches broadcast news anymore anyway. This is one more nail in the coffin. I started watching the news when Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings were on.. Brian Jennings is okay, but it'll never be the same. And now they go and take away another piece of what made the news feel familiar.

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sumck md — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:20:52 GMT

michael douglas times must be tuff for michael douglas dose he do window's to

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Bob Pesce — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:30:01 GMT

This is after Monday's program so I know who the annoucer is. What can you be thinking! Why give this invisible job to a personality whose voice is as indistinguishable. Surely a more deserving individual than a millionaire actor can be found. Instead of Michael Douglas or other high profile person why not find someone who needs a job, has the voice qualities and may even be a homeless person!!!

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Jack Sprat — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:38:44 GMT

Abe,

Carol Channing is a great guess. But it's 40 years, not 140 years.

Name the announcer

Ron Gregg Marina Del Rey, CA — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 02:51:53 GMT

I'm sure Michael Douglas is glad you provided him with some work...while you completely ignored those people who survive on voice over work. How sad is it that NBC would dump a veteran announcer for a rich actor? What's next.having movie stars work the cameras? NBC is a sad network for this decision

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Flo from Antioch IL — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:28:07 GMT

Michael Douglas great voice, good choice. I'll be watching NBC Nightly News.

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Jerry Lake Oswego, Or — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:29:16 GMT

Will Lyman would have been great(just steal him from Frontline)

Name the announcer

Steve Morris, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:54:10 GMT

We voice actors and announcers have a terrific job. We're part of that layer beneath the celebrities, who contribute to the process. We deliver, through emotion, intelligence and vocal dexterity, the feeling that directors want, to help the network, station, character or client touch the public.

It may take 100 takes to make everyone happy. That's cool. We can give you 100 different ways to shade the feeling of the read.

But, since we're not famous, when we speak, we provide a kind of advantage: you can assume it's the client speaking. Remember the first time you saw a star, before they were famous, in a movie role? It was exciting, because you were simply focusing on the behavior of the character, not how well the movie star was coming off. In the same way, when we work, you're not thinking, "there's Michael Douglas intro-ing NBC Nightly News." When we do it, you think, "there's NBC letting me know that this is the NBC Nightly News."
Michael Douglas, or Anthony Hopkins, or Meryl Streep would all do wonderful reads; but it turns the moment into, "hey, it's a movie star."
We're simply in a culture of celebrity that intensifies by the hour. It's not that celebrities aren't good at it; the problem is that it's their celebrity that qualifies them.

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Daniel Pawliczak, Centertown, MO — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:40:06 GMT

After you introduced Michael Douglas voice for the first time on your broadcast, it really got my goat for a few days. I don't know what you paid him for this but I would have done it for half the price. I'm not famous but my voice sure is a heck of alot better. If a contest for the intro spot was done, hmmm, now that's interesting.

Name the announcer

Gary V, Detroit — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:06:39 GMT

I thought the change was supposed to bring a fresher feel to the nightly news. Michael Douglas is not fresh and his voice is not condusive for this role.. How about Mort Crim (ex Detroit news anchor now running his own media company)...

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Russ Bloxom, Fort Worth, TX — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:38:26 GMT

The announcer introducing the program requires getting the viewer's attention. Douglas is a great actor but his voice, and especially his delivery for this purpose, is woefully short of...commanding anyone's attention. This is silly stuff. Go back to the great voice, inflection and ATTENTION you had with thr previous announcer for years. If it ain't broke....

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Joyce Ramirez, Douglaston, NY — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:55:58 GMT

By now, we know the new announcer is Michael Douglas.
Don't get my wrong--I LOVE Michael Douglas in the movies, but his voice is NOT a good fit to preview Brian Williams' Nightly News Show. Very disappointed and I don't think it lends well to introduce my favorite night-time news anchor!

Name the announcer

Joyce Ramirez, Douglaston, NY — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:11:45 GMT

I'm trying one more time to post a note--Michael Douglas does nothing for Brian Williams' Nightly News Show. His voice is flat and boring. He is a great actor, but for such an important spot such as this, I believe you could find a regular New Yorker with better diction and ennunciation.

Name the announcer

Nadine Michaels Rochester, MI — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:48:29 GMT

I cannot believe all the whiners on this board. What's exactly wrong with Michael Douglas??? I think Brian Williams has the right to choose whoever he wants to introduce him. Michael sounded great...I'm not sure what you folks want in an announcer. He's got a great voice...he was raised on the East Coast and is a good complement to a New York based program. I think all of you are annoyed because Michael Douglas is rich...yeah, he IS rich. so what? Get over it! He's been busting his bum for the last 40 years entertaining the entire planet. Great choice NBC!

Name the announcer

John Anderson — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:43:59 GMT

So Michael Douglas is the voice of NBC's evening news. Heard him and really thing NBC could have done better. Michael's voice had no enthusiam, pretty monotone, I thought.

Name the announcer

Peter O'Connell — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:29:53 GMT

BIG swing and a miss!

Name the announcer

Ken Tasky, Greenwood Village, CO — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:38:57 GMT

Brian,
What were you thinking. Sounds just like a 13 year old trying to change his voice to sound 14! Maybe you had his wife in mind to do the bit. I am not impressed.

Please bring back the deep-throated dude.

Name the announcer

Pat Duke, Chicago, IL — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 16:51:37 GMT

MICHAEL DOUGLAS? Are you kidding me? What happened to auditioning to win a prestigious announcing job? Bad move NBC! In our celebrity crazed culture why don't we start issuing celebs little crowns to wear so we can worship them like the deity the media proclaims then to be?

Name the announcer

Dave Christi, Bend, OR — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:20:29 GMT

There are a group of voice actors that seem to think they can do a better job. They may be right. Peter O'Connell put out the call to his fellow voice actors. Dozens have responded with their own auditions. They are posted on Peter's blog:

http://audioconnell.com/blog/?p=301

Name the announcer

Vincnet, Virginia Beach VA — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:13:13 GMT

why could it not have been Tom Brokaw himself.

Name the announcer

Mike Hanna, Wayland, NY — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:55:58 GMT

Okay ...in the world of "voice-overs," I have to go with the nay-sayers on this one. He (M. Douglas) does NOT have the punch, inflection, or any evocative features which make his intro stand out. And the audio level is too darn low. What gives, NBC? Run out of ideas? Talents? Low budget?

Name the announcer

jim condon vermont — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:12:50 GMT

He's no Howard Reigs!