Hail to the ...

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:23:33 GMT

Brian, you've sparked my attention on who the new announcer will be. I suppose it would be considered an honor to be the "voice" of your broadcast. Would the "voice" consider endorsing a candidate? Now there's something to ponder....

Hail to the ...

Laura Harrison, Newport News, VA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:02:45 GMT

Here Brian, let me finish it for you, it goes:

"Hail to the Redskins, hail victory! Braves on the warpath, fight for Ol' D.C.!"

Beautiful song if I say so myself. Frankly I'm shocked the Skins won last night. Did the Giants receivers cover their gloves in butter or something? Eli did well given the wind, but the receivers sure didn't help him. Y'all should be commended for sticking it out though, that's dedication.

The political world is getting nutty and I love it. 'Tis the season. If you can brave the cold at the Meadowlands you should be out in Iowa or New Hampshire!

I'm looking forward to the broadcast.

Hail to the ...

lnp, a life-long Redskins fan from Southern Maryland — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:10:26 GMT

Dear Brian,

Why do you hate the Redskins so, when you used to live and work in Washington?

P.S. - Just so you know, the Redskins practiced for that game outdoors, in the elements, while the Giants practiced inside a "bubble." Maybe that had something to do with the outcome....

Hail to the ...

Justin Lewis, Valdsota, GA — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:35:22 GMT

is the new voice michael douglas?

Hail to the ...

Riich - El Paso — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:44:59 GMT

Brian - Did you stick it out as loyal fans or did you just have to wait for the bus anyway...he, he, he. Go Patriots!

Hail to the ...

J. Ainsworth, Guilford, CT — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:55:23 GMT

Brian: Thanks for the piece on Dan Fogelberg. He is absolutely my favorite artist and has been since I first started buying his music around 1975-76. There wasn't a trip north in the late 70's and early 80's that wasn't accompanied by Fogelberg. I wore out the Innocent Age double album released in 1981 and had to buy a replacement. I last saw him at the Bushnell in Hartford, a concert I made my children attend because I didn't have a babysitter.

Hail to the ...

Karen Slater, East Hartford, CT — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:57:17 GMT

My ex-husband just called me to give you a message
He is a retired race car driver, Wild Bill Slater.
He likes your striped tie better the one with the dots on it. He told me someone said they didnot like the strip. He also, likes your blue shirt. He went out and brought two,

Hail to the ...

Dave, Tn — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:02:39 GMT

Yeah "none of the above" is sounding pretty good right now especially if you are someone who wanted Duncan Hunter :-) The Clintons are pathetic in their attacks on Obama. They got so lazy getting away with so much the last 7 years. I keep expecting some staged drama with this helicopter tour to generate a little sympathy.

Hail to the ...

E. Remy, Columbus, OH — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:02:58 GMT

As someone that appreciates the medium and the quality of voices used for announcements and "voice overs," I have to say that although Michael Douglas is a GREAT actor, he is a terrible choice to be the voice introducing the broadcast. I was really hoping for James Earl Jones. Just one man's opinion but uggh.

Hail to the ...

Joe, Raleigh NC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:03:06 GMT

Brian,

Love the new voice! It heralds the greatness of your broadcast very well. I look forward to hearing it each night.

Hail to the ...

Rex Arelio, Nashville — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:05:40 GMT

Michael freakin Douglas? What the ??? I guess I should be grateful you didn't choose Alec Baldwin or one of his out-of-work brothers)!

Brian, you of all people should respect the NBC tradition, which is responsible for the majority of the viewers who still tune in to your broadcast.

Howard Reig on tape, is far better than your new hack actor idol. As you can tell, I'm disappointed in your decision...although sadly, not surprised.

Hail to the ...

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:24:04 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, First of all Mr.Williams I am glad that you survived the New York Giants versus Washington Redskins football game Sunday evening. I am really impressed you and your son endured the snow,wind and 17 degree wind chill. I guess the fans behind you couldn't take the cold anymore as well as the losing Giants. I agree with your son that it was very cold and probably the coldest he has ever been. But you do have him beat with having travelled to Bosnia and Iraq. You are right he is young and needs time. Anyway, I am happy you had a great night even though the New York Giants lost the game. Now on to the broadcast. Regarding the writers strike and the late night shows it will be interesting to view these shows without the writers words. I hope that some guests appear,yet many may not want to cross the picket lines. It would be great if they could come to an agreement by Christmas in order that television shows start the New Year of 2008 with new shows. At least by the end of January and early February. Too many reality shows can become tiresome. The report by Mr.Savidge concerning the CSI for Animals is a really good thing. This woman is going some fine work in finding out what happened to these poor animals because as she stated they have no voice. People who abuse animals should be punished because some might have tendancies to harm humans as well. Hopefully through her good work the abuse of animals will decrease and come to an end. I hope so for the animals sake. On another note I thought the laying of the Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery was very touching. Always honor our fallen soldiers. Finally, At first I didn't quite guess who the voice was at the top of the broadcast, but when you replayed the introduction I realized who it was speaking. Very nice choice of Michael Douglas. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Thank you Mr.Douglas. Peace to all!

Hail to the ...

Stephanie Adams, Bowie, MD — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:25:10 GMT

hahahahaha!! Hail to the Redskins, Hail victory!! But I would not be outside in that cold at FedEx or the Meadowlands. They're emotionally settling down here in DC. We don't know weather to hoop or cry. Cross your fingers we're all on the bubble.

Now as for Iowa, it's IOWA 10 months and counting.

Hail to the ...

Josh Cradduck, Ithaca, NY — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:29:50 GMT

Dear Brian and Nightly Crew:

This change in announcer was NOT needed -- Howard Reig was the last example of old guard NBC News. Now, I feel as if I am watching a completely different station when I turn on Nightly News.
The set, the new music (newer drums), and now even the legendary announcer!

Change may sometimes be good -- but trading Reig for Michael Douglas is a sad move, because it kind of signals the end of Nightly News respect for the past.

Heck, even the brief opening graphic with the old anchors giving their name was great - and that is gone too!

Very discouraging move. I always watched Nightly News for it's authority and presentation plays a large role in that: now the last bit of historic presentation is swept into history.

Hail to the ...

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:35:54 GMT

I am kicking myself that I didn't recognize Michael Douglas' voice. Silly me.

Sorry your team lost, Brian. I thought of you sitting out there in the frigid cold while I saw the opening kickoff. I've forgotten how loosing feels; however, being a lifelong Patriots fan, I am enjoying the ride the team is on right now! Just maybe, though, the Redskins really needed that win to help boost team spirits. Stinks if you're a Giants fan, though!

I for one am SICK of presidential politics. I'm still wondering "is it over yet"? This race started way too early for my liking. I didn't think I could get tired of presidential politics, but it's happened!

Brian, just a question on NBC's political coverage. When are you going to do a story on Ron Paul? He is seeming like a very attractive candidate to me, but I don't hear any mainstream buzz on him. Is there a particular reason, other than him being a long shot, that we've not seen him featured on the Nightly News yet?

Hail to the ...

Will, Decatur, Georgia — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:43:58 GMT

Michael Douglass may be an actor of renown, but I have no idea why you picked him for the announcer's spot.

His voice has no weight or gravity, two aspects I think crucial to that post. Please reconsider.

Hail to the ...

Bernie Gaudi, Columbia, SC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:56:57 GMT

I watch Brian Williams every night except on the weekends and then I watch Lester Holt. I am very hard of hearing so I read the subtitles. However, there is a long delay between what is being said and when the subtitles actually appear. Since I can hear some of what is being said and I also read lips somewhat, I us the subtitles only for what I have missed. The long delay really makes this most difficult and I wonder why the delay is there in the first place. I don't notice this long delay on other shows I watch even on live interviews. Can you help?
Thank you,
Bernie Gaudi

Hail to the ...

Thomas J. Gibbons Jr., Philadelphia, Pa. — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:57:46 GMT

Brian, you go out of your way to thank the reporters in the field for their reports. Your acknowledgement always seems to come from the heart and adds a strong, gracious, human element. Keep it up.

Hail to the ...

Rob, Maine — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:12:21 GMT

It concerns me that the choice of Michael Douglas again allows more of Hollywood to seep into network news (and his selection certainly won't help you in the right-wing blogosphere!). In addition, I'm curious why you chose to change the announcer at all. I can't imagine Douglas will re-record for you every time you go to a news hotspot, and we will instead hear the rather generic voice used when you have a single-sponsor show. Can you address why "Nightly" found it necessary to change what seemed to be a beloved portion of the show? Thanks.

Hail to the ...

Gigi Curry, Arlington, Massachusetts — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:24:31 GMT

Brian,

To be honest, I don't like the new voice. Howard Reig is still the best announcer. Can you find another announcer similar to Howard Reig's voice.

Hail to the ...

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:30:32 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, First of all Mr.Williams I am glad that you survived the New York Giants versus the Washington Redskins football game Sunday evening. I am really impressed you and your son endured the snow,wind and 17 degree wind chill. I guess the fans behind you couldn't take the cold anymore and the Giants losing the game. I agree with your son that it was pretty cold and probably the coldest he has ever been. But you have him beat with having travelled to Bosnia and Iraq. He is young and needs time. Anyway, I am very happy you had a great time even though the New York Giants lost. Now on to the broadcast. Regarding the writers strike and the late night shows. It will be interesting to see these shows without the writers words. I hope that some guests will appear, yet many may not want to cross the picket lines. It would be great if they could come to an agreement by Christmas in order that television can begin the New Year of 2008 with new shows. At least by the end if January and early February. Watching too many reality shows can become tiresome. The report by Mr.Savidge concerning the CSI for animals was good. This woman is doing some fine work in finding out what happened to these poor animals because as she stated they have no voice. People who abuse animals should be punished because some might have tendancies to harm humans as well. Hopefully through her good work the abuse of animals will decrease and come to an end. I hope so for the animals sake. On another note I thought the laying of the Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery was very touching. We should always honor our soldiers. Finally, I didn't quite indentify the voice of Nightly News at the top of the broadcast it wasn't until you replayed the introduction that I realized who the voice was that was speaking. I think Michael Douglas was a good choice although not as compelling a voice a some others. We will get used to the new voice in time. Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Thank you Michael. Peace to all!

Hail to the ...

Mike Femyer, Phoenix AZ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:02:42 GMT

I heard the new voice on NIghtly News today and I thought, "Oh great, NBC News has a vacation program whereby college kids major in Journalism can intro the news on their holiday break."

Imagine my surprise when it was announced that Michael Douglas would be the new voice.

Michael Douglas?

As a long time listener to NBC Radio News and a long time viewer of NBC-TV News, I am appalled that the News division would not have a "broadcaster" do the new Intros.

Then I realized that there's no farm system of up and coming announcers to step into the roles being vacated by the old timers.

Perhaps some creative computer geek can synthesize a new "old type" Booth Announcer and fill the voids being created by retiring personnel.

I'll keep watching my beloved NBC, but I won't be happy with your new announcer.

Hail to the ...

Joe, Wichita, KS — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:35:55 GMT

When I heard the voice I liked it and when I recognized it was Michael Douglas' I liked it even more, however I think it needs some refining. I thought maybe I was just being overly critical, but a friend of mine mentioned the same thing to me. We thought Douglas' voice sounded a little weak, than we know he can sound like. We are thinking maybe he had a better take in his recording session that could be used instead.

Hail to the ...

Andre Seattle Washington — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:06:21 GMT

Typically, the faucet is running or the toilet is flushing over the announer's recorded alert (mind you we've just suffered an hour or more of local news filled with accidents, drug dealer shootings and killer playground equipment).
I hope a lot of money wasn't wasted on this sad grab for a couple of viewers. Enough time is lost on promo ledes to stories that never seem to live up to their headlines. FYI, you wasted more than a minute on this wierd, useless factoid which leaves er...maybe 18 minutes for news of the world?. Cover the news!!!!!

Hail to the ...

Lynn G., Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:09:21 GMT

Michael Douglas! How cool is that! Good for all of you for having his phone number :)

And ... the Presidential race is a crashing bore for those of us NOT in primary states. It's a lot of noise that never seems to stop. "None of the above" works for me too. I'm soooooooooo tired of them all calibrating their responses to the latest poll results. Where are the candidates who make polls change because of their own leadership? Sigh.

Sorry about the game ... and the weather you endured! I hope there were gallons of hot chocolate waiting for you at home!

Hail to the ...

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:16:04 GMT

Brian I watched the game from home but didn't see you. Next time let the cameraman know were your sitting.

I love animals and was glad to hear the story of the doctor who speaks for the animals who are tortured or killed. She should have no problem with Huckabee's son torturing and killing a dog. The reporter was correct if a person isn't punished and learns to value animals most likely they more on to killing humans. Let's hope Mike Huckabee saw your show and gets his son some help fast.

I loved Dan Fogelberg songs and my daughter even knows the words. He will be missed but his music will go on forever.

Nice to hear Russia and Iran making deals with the approval of President Bush. If only we had learned that the information the White House had about Iraq's WMDs was wrong we wouldn't have lost thousands of soldiers and thousands of injured troops. How much more information is wrong.

I was clue less as to the voice even after hearing it twice. I would have gone home with the fruit basket. Thanks for letting me know it was Michael Douglas. I'm glad you didn't ask me I would have messed it up.

I look forward to the Iowa primary and hope the people of Iowa pick the best qualified candidate. I really have faith in the people of that State as they really have experience in looking closely and not like most of us Californians as who's the star today.

Hail to the ...

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:43:06 GMT

Hi Brian -

As a political scientist I just love your description of the Iowa situation -

"there's a five-way tie for second, and 'none of the above' is the front-runner. You've got this weekend's endorsements, you've got today's endorsement of McCain, you've got Edwards on the cover of Newsweek, you've got Romney on Meet the Press (and Ron Paul next weekend), you've got a former president in a de facto, same-team competition for air time with his wife, the candidate... and in short: you've got quite a race."

However, with so many candidates the results will be skewed. Let's whittle down the crowd so that we can really find out what the candidates stand for and stop all this posturing with family members and Ex-Presidents.

About the new voice - Michael Douglas - Why ????.

Sorry, doesn't work for me - for a real 'voice' I'm thinking Lauren Bacall, Bette Midler, Kathleen Turner.

Hail to the ...

Dixie Swanson, Houston TX — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:56:13 GMT

This is off point, but I'm a little amused at people calling Barak Obama black.

He isn't black; he is racially mixed: white mom/black Kenyan dad, So he is truly African American.

Please call him racially mixed or African American. "black" is only half right -- and it is as valid as "white" in his case.

Since he's a mixture of black and white, you could call him "gray", but all the gray haired guys would freak. He doesn't have enough gray hairs to be called gray.

Tiger Woods calls himself a Caublanasin, as he has white, black and asian ancestors.

Speaking clearly helps the electorate think more clearly.

Hail to the ...

Joe, Menlo Park, CA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:24:10 GMT

Can we now go back to using Howard Reig's voice?

Hail to the ...

Jeffery Fishback, Saint Louis, Missouri — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:52:49 GMT

Hello Brian Williams,
Why did you not run a story about how the supporters of Dr. Ron Paul set a campaine finance record this weekend. I think that deserved a time slot, instead of old tired stories about candidates taking a bus ride across Iowa, or talking about their core issues.

After all some 60,000 people ponied up an average of $50. That is remarkable.

Hail to the ...

cb, nyc — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:52:05 GMT

Poor choice, Brian. I know it'll be tough to toss him - he's a friend, great actor, you called him - and now to tell him it's not gonna work out would be awkward...but you need to correct this error. He doesn't even pronounce "news" properly. The shrinking importance of the Big Three evening newscasts is a myth, and the need for an announcer-type intro is similarly still valid. NBC has had names like Reig, Facey, Ansbro, Brandt - gotta get someone like that. No two ways about it.

Hail to the ...

Arnie Copeland, Memphis — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:01:31 GMT

How is it possible that Howard Reig is still alive, and you're using an over-the-hill actor to introduce Nightly News? It's like replacing Babe Ruth with Clay Aiken.

Hail to the ...

Chris, South Carolina — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:49:14 GMT

Hello Everyone at 30 Rock!

What the heck? I love Michael Douglas as an actor. I am just thinking who had final approval to use him as the announcer for Nightly News. Why him? It is not even the actor thing that gets me, it is just him. He does not work. No power. No authority.

If you all wanted an actor, hmm...there's James Earl Jones (even if it had been done by the other network) or Morgan Freeman with better delivery.

What about other voice over talent like Mike Lewis, Dude Walker, or Don LaFontaine (from the movie trailers)?

Brian, you could have even used Tom Brokaw, and risk being called a copy cat of the Tiffany network, I would rather have over my head than have this Michael Douglas thing over my head. YOu can even gotten Ruben Studdard from American Idol who has a deeper voice than Douglas. Another option would have been grab any announcer from a local NBC station.

I am just hurt, confused, and no clue Brian. How could you put Michael Douglas at the top of NBC News each night. The voice did nothing for me. You've finally regained the ratings crown, and drop this atomic bomb is dropped. I hope you change it, or at least let him re-do the voice with more oomph.

Sheesh, make the voices universal-- UNIVERSAL! Use the current voice for the Today Show, or Meet the Press. This really bothers me. No offense to Michael Douglas. What even possessed him to do it??? I mean, would he want his voice on that??? I just do not get it. I know you called him, but come on. Brian, please chane this. Let Michael do it for a few weeks.

Hail to the ...

Chris, South Carolina — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:50:58 GMT

Thanks. I followed the rules by not attacking, or using offesive info. Please do not delete my comment about Michael Douglas' voice for nightly. I am just critical, but that is what the blog is for-- comments, right? Thanks.

Hail to the ...

J. Ainsworth, Guilford, CT — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:04:19 GMT

Brian: I, too, guessed Michael Douglas. Regarding the political news, I know I should be interested, but I also know what will happen. My candidate will not win the Democratic nomination. The person who does will have issues and will lose. I will watch in horror as the country falls further into the abyss under the stewardship of the next Republican president. End of story.

Hail to the ...

Beth — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:28:29 GMT

Dear Brian,

We watch NBC Nightly News every evening, which is something we have done for many years.

Our concern is that Meredith Vieira is very caustic, to the point of "bullying," Ann, on international television. No one likes a bully, and her attitude toward Ann is very distasteful.

If you can do anything about this, please do so.

Hail to the ...

Marie Weber Matteson, IL — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:32:16 GMT

Bring back Howard, Brian!!!!!!

Hail to the ...

Naomi & John Tuttle, Radford, VA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:11:31 GMT

Mr. Williams,
I'm sorry, but my husband and I both agree - Michael Douglas does not have the voice for your opening. It is not strong enough or deep enough to be empowering to begin the best nightly news on television. When you announced who the person was, we looked at each other and simultaneously said, "Michael Douglas????" What were the decision-makers thinking? We wouldn't notice that soft voice made for romaticizing women in movies? Oh my, bad decision. Please continue to interview for this position.
Our regards and Merry Christmas,

Hail to the ...

Geoff, Rhode Island — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:53:01 GMT

I have to agree why Michael Douglas and such a weak voice? I have to agree James Earl Jones would have been a better choice but who can argue with GE?

Go Patriots, we know you like them deep down inside since you are a New Englander at heart on Block Island every summer here in RI.

Keep up the good work, just replace the announcer, I prefer the tape that you were using.

Hail to the ...

Geoff, Rhode Island — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:53:18 GMT

Hail to the ...

Megan, Fremont CA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:04:06 GMT

Can't figure out the draw of Michael Douglas as a voiceover guy. Acting, ok, but really.

I would have gone with Mike Rowe from Discovery Channel's show Dirty Jobs. His baritone sings heavenly for voiceovers, and the tongue-in-cheek connection to a show called "Dirty Jobs" is too irresisitable!

Hail to the ...

Jim L Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:01:55 GMT

Brian,
re: The new voice.

Don't you think it would have been more appropriate to hire someone who actually "needed" a job. That would have made a great statement about you and your network.

Since, as a news anchor, you are always reporting on the unemployed and seem concerned about social issues, why not hire someone who needs the work, the money, the benefits, etc. I'm sure Mr. Douglas already has a decent income. Or is he doing this gratis? In which case I say say hire someone anyway!

Hail to the ...

D Swanson — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:52:57 GMT

I didn't recognize the voice at first -- must have been his face-lifts that made it sound different...

Hail to the ...

Jeffery Fishback — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:54:20 GMT

Hello Brian,
Did you consider rotating voices? I could think of a couple dozen great choices. You could even ask impersinators to do some famous people who are deceased for the intoduction. Imagine being introduced one evening, by Richard Nixon...

Hail to the ...

Dave, Tn — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:06 GMT

Yeah dump the white guy actor whose never been known for his voice. James Earl Jones or Morgan Freeman would be much better. If you'd really like to reach out to the most oppressed minority by the main stream media you could try for a conservative like Walter E Williams. He's Rush's best sub, and has big booming voice. :-)
http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/

Hail to the ...

Eddie Sanchez, Austin, TX. — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:30:31 GMT

Michael Douglas, NBC's Nightly News announcer, sounds fine to me. I've read all the other remarks about getting James Earl Jones, but as we all know, he's the voice of CNN. But NBC should have considered one other actor, Antonio Bandares!! Yes, Zorro! you see the Zeta - Douglas connection!! adios!!

Hail to the ...

E. Sanchez, Austin, TX. — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:40:39 GMT

The Redskins huh, well try dealing with Jessica "No luck, bad luck" Simpson! Romo, I think Dana Carvey said it best "stay the course, thousand points of light", not the lightheaded!!

Hail to the ...

Maura, Albany, NY — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:03:51 GMT

Well, to be honest, I thought the new guy in the voice department was someone of substance--Michael Douglas? What criteria did you use to figure out that Michael was the winner? Actually, if you're going for old actors, Jack Nicholson would have my vote!

Thanks for including Dan Fogelberg's passing in the broadcast. I wonder how many of us in the 70's and 80's can tie specific events and experiences to Dan's music. I am deeply saddened that another friend has lost the cancer battle.

Oh Lordy, when will the slew of candidates go away? The incessant reporting is a great cure for insomnia. The staging, the scripting of every word and appearance ought to qualify most of the campaigners for one of those Rasberry Awards for bad acting. Do they think we're all stupid? And we have nearly a year to go..now that is a desperate thought!

Hail to the ...

Steve DeVore, Palm Harbor, Florida — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:09:17 GMT

Should've gone with Christopher Walken. :)

Hail to the ...

Liz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:55:40 GMT

Should have stayed with the "veteran" voice. Much more distinguished and forthright! Please bring back Howard Reig!!!!

Hail to the ...

Jim Tippett, Kennewick WA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:07:06 GMT

I think Michael Douglas has a fine voice, however as a former radio man that had to repeat the word news (pronounced nyouz), over and over again until I got it right, I feel Mr. Douglas should make the same effort. Especially as an announcer for a newscast (prounounced nyouz-cast) as prestigous as Nightly News.

Hail to the ...

Heidi Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:31:47 GMT

Brian,
When you mentioned a new announcer Friday night, I was hoping for James Earl Jones, based on your "clues". I do agree with another post which suggested Morgan Freeman. You're usually right on the mark but this decision would benefit with some more evaluation.

Regarding the wardrobe, stick with the blue shirts!
You look amazing in them!

Hail to the ...

jimBerryman South Portland,Maine — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:21:18 GMT

Your report on laying the wreaths at Arlington National cemetery.
It would to inforn the public of the company and ownery (Morrill and Karen worchester and employers from Harrington Maine. It is A very small town in eatern part of the state. Not onaly they sent wreath to cemeterys in all States. He also sent money for over seas as he could not send wreaths over seas.

Hail to the ...

Emy Hyans, South Orange , NJ — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:23:40 GMT

The jury is out on Michael Douglas...either the engineer (or whoever does this kind of thing) has to turn up the volume or MD has to speak louder. You open the program so clearly and then there is the mumble about what we're watching.
I never miss your nightly take on the world..thanks for a great job.

Hail to the ...

STEPHEN SNOW, suwanee georgia — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:30:06 GMT

Brian, I like Michael, but I would have preferred someone like Benicio Del Toro, a great lanquid, yet subliminally authoritative voice. Anyway, keep up the great work, the program is a solid one.

Hail to the ...

Tom, Fredericksburg, Virginia — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:42:46 GMT

I'm sorry but Michael Douglas' voice just doesn't cut it. When you hear the intro you want an anouncer that conveys power and authority. One of this things I used to love about Nightly News was the theme and the intro, not anymore!! The voice should represent NBC news. Michael Douglas' voice definately does not! No matter how you try to edit his voice it just doesn't cut it. Even using the guy that narrates the weekend edition of Nightly News is beter this. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get rid of Douglas immediately. This is a BIG dissapointment.

Hail to the ...

LD,, Clifton, NJ — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:28:32 GMT

Hi Brian (and crew),
I'd like to suggest a new announcer... an actor who has done some marvelous narrations: Liev Schreiber (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000630/). He's narrated such prestigious shows as "American Masters", "Nova", and numerous documentaries, not to mention his film and Broadway work.
I'd also like to echo someone's previous comment from above - I really enjoyed the previous opening with all of the former anchors announcing themselves... It was a fitting tribute which transitioned beautifully into the present newscast...

Hail to the ...

Joseph S. Tampa, Florida — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:16:53 GMT

bring back Howard Reig!

Hail to the ...

Gerry Guenther — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:15:07 GMT

Brian, I'm with those who want you to bring back Howard Reig[even if it is a recording]!! Michael Douglas' voice is absolutely NOT suited to introducing the NBC Nightly News!!!!!!
We enjoy your broadcast and have confidence in your
reporting, but please......no more Mike Douglas!!!!

Hail to the ...

Scott Davis — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 04:22:05 GMT

Michael Douglas sounds like he's inside a fur lined can making the opening announcement. It's muffled and he's doing his best imitation of a serious announcer, but it doesn't work. At least get him to pronounce news correctly.

Hail to the ...

John, Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:37:59 GMT

Bring back Howard Reig! For years his throaty clarion call said "Damn it. This is the news. You must stop what you are doing and watch." No more. Now, I only hear the wimpy voice of Gordon Gecko. Greed is not good... and neither is Michael's voiceover work. I have stopped watching your broadcast due to your choice of Michael Douglas. There is something to be said for tradition and gravitas. Your open now sounds like a car commercial, not the beginning of a national news program. World News has a real announcer... and now, a new viewer. Were the residual payments to Howard really that high???

Hail to the ...

Brian, Christchurch, New Zealand — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 11:03:38 GMT

Brian
I watch your netcast in NZ - what were you guys thinking getting Michael Douglas to introduce Nightly News - he lacks any authority in his voice and pronounces 'news' as 'noooooose'. Nice try but doesn't work. Go back to Howard or try Morgan Freeman

Hail to the ...

George, Los Angeles, CA — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:52:43 GMT

Dear Brian,

According to this blog it’s now: Howard Reig 25…Michael Douglas 7. As a devoted NBC Nightly News fan for years, I have always looked forward to hearing the theme music and Mr. Reig’s clear, crisp and authoritative voice welcoming me to the broadcast. However, for the last 2 weeks I’ve found myself having to hit the mute button on my remote until you start speaking. That’s how much the recording of Mr. Douglas’s voice bothers me. I have done a lot of recording over the years and can say with authority that both the engineer and producer of this recording have tin ears! Compared to your voice and Mr. Reig’s voice, Mr. Douglas sounds like he’s talking to us from another room with his face buried in a pillow. It’s inferior to the audio on the rest of the program and this inconsistency should have been noticed before going to air. Change can be good but in this case it’s like a death in the family…a bloody, tortured death. I beg you to resurrect Mr. Reig’s old recording, which was far superior. As they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.