Disgraced Former NBC Anchor Returns To Hosting Gig

Brian Williams is reportedly nearing a deal for his next role in television news, but it won’t be on a conventional TV network. The former NBC News and MSNBC anchor is in advanced talks to host a live Election Night special on Amazon Prime Video, according to sources who spoke to Variety.

The goal is to provide a non-partisan analysis of the night’s developments. Should it go ahead, the project would represent Amazon Prime Video’s inaugural venture into news-oriented content, a field it has not previously entered, focusing instead on films, scripted series, and reality shows. However, the completion of this initiative is not yet certain, sources warned.

In 2015, Williams, the respected anchor of NBC Nightly News, found himself at the center of a major scandal. For years, he had recounted a story from his time covering the Iraq War in 2003, where he claimed to have been aboard a helicopter that was hit by rocket-propelled grenades and forced down. Williams often spoke of the experience during public appearances, and it became a hallmark story of his reporting career.

However, the story unraveled when military veterans who were present during the incident publicly challenged his version. They revealed that Williams was not in the helicopter that had been hit but in a separate one that was not under fire. As the truth came to light, Williams apologized on air, admitting that he had “misremembered” the event. Still, the damage was done.

Brian Williams at 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair Party, New York State Supreme Courthouse, New York, NY, April 24, 2007

NBC launched an internal investigation, leading to Williams’ suspension for six months without pay. During this time, Lester Holt took over as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, eventually being named the permanent replacement. After the suspension, NBC reassigned Williams to its cable network, MSNBC, where he hosted The 11th Hour. Though he continued his career there, the scandal left a permanent mark on his reputation as a journalist. He remained with MSNBC until his departure in 2021.

According to sources who spoke to Variety, the new Williams initiative is appealing because it plans to include a broader array of analysts and newsmakers as guests than typically expected. Amazon is exploring this concept while traditional outlets continue to find new ways to engage younger viewers who often prefer digital platforms over traditional television for their news. Insiders, however, urged caution in assuming that Amazon is moving towards a regular news production role, as the company hasn’t significantly expanded its journalist workforce.

Discussions suggest the potential for Williams to host a variety of guests and contributors. Planned to be streamed from a studio in the Los Angeles area, the show might kick off as early as 5 p.m. Eastern and Williams could remain on air for up to seven or eight hours, potentially longer during critical events like a tight election night. The program is designed to delve deeper into explaining significant events rather than breaking news stories. With economic pressures leading many traditional news outlets to cut back on staff, the producers have managed to secure several prominent figures for the show, aiming to create a significant, accessible broadcast with numerous well-known guests.

Sources close to the anchor indicate that he’s looking to expand his role beyond traditional anchoring. Williams has expressed an interest in engaging more directly with audiences, suggesting a desire for more interactive and dynamic formats where he can showcase a broader range of his talents.

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