So, Amazon is really stepping into the news game—at least for one night—with none other than Brian Williams at the helm. Yes, the same Brian Williams who famously “misremembered” his own news coverage while leading NBC Nightly News is now set to anchor Amazon’s first foray into live election night coverage. You can’t make this stuff up.
Now, let’s get this straight: Amazon, the tech behemoth that already controls your shopping, entertainment, and, oh yeah, Thursday Night Football, wants to tackle the most high-stakes event of the year—the presidential election. But they insist this is just a “one-time thing,” not a sign that Jeff Bezos wants to add “news mogul” to his ever-expanding résumé. Right. Because companies that sink $1.8 billion a year into NBA deals are known for doing things just once. Sure.
What’s even more mind-blowing is their choice to resurrect Brian Williams as their leading man for this high-profile gig. Williams hasn’t exactly had the smoothest ride in the world of journalism, famously exaggerating stories about being under fire during a helicopter ride in Iraq. That little episode earned him a six-month suspension and a permanent black eye on his credibility. So, naturally, Amazon decided he should be the guy to guide us through what could be another chaotic election night. Talk about a bold move.
And let’s not forget, Williams’ last gig was over at MSNBC—where he exited stage left three years ago. Now, he’s coming out of semi-retirement for Amazon’s big experiment in election coverage. It’s like bringing back an actor from a canceled TV show to headline a blockbuster movie and expecting the audience to forget why the show got canceled in the first place.
Ex-NBC anchor Brian Williams in talks to host Amazon Prime’s ‘non-partisan’ election night event
It will be Amazon’s first live news related program & The first hosting gig in years for Williams, after his 2015 reporting scandal & departure from NBChttps://t.co/KPSsUUROCA— David L Wagner (@DavidLWagner4) September 30, 2024
The whole event will be streamed live from Amazon’s MGM Studios in Los Angeles, not from the usual New York or D.C. political hotspots. So, instead of a newsroom vibe, it might feel more like you’re watching an Amazon Original. Hey, maybe that’s the plan. After all, Bezos didn’t spend all that money on Hollywood just for kicks, right? However, some are not happy about Amazon’s ‘nonpartisan’ choice.
Oh, let’s all run to prime news and make sure we get unbiased news from Brian Williams
— Misty (@MistyJa71088541) September 30, 2024
I may have to cancel @amazon Prime, if they do this. The idea that Brian Williams, a fake, leftist, “journalist,” who has been caught in many lies, would have any connection to a service I pay for is an insult and waste of my money. https://t.co/YofHwYHnzV
— The Chris Salcedo Show (@CSalcedoShow) September 29, 2024
Amazon’s Prime Video has appointed disgraced former NBC News anchor #BrianWilliams to lead its election night coverage on November 5, a decision drawing scrutiny due to the veteran liberal reporter’s history of making false statements pic.twitter.com/zJjcAawnGO
— Giordano Bruno (@GioBruno1600) September 30, 2024
It’s also worth noting that while Amazon is dipping its toes into the world of live news, they’re going up against some serious competition. Election night is dominated by CNN, NBC, and the like—networks that have decades of experience (and actual newsrooms) to handle the mayhem. Amazon seems to think they can waltz in, stream for a few hours, and win over viewers looking for something “different.” Maybe it’ll work. Or maybe people will remember that Williams, despite his charm and wit, has a bit of a history when it comes to “getting it wrong.”
In any case, Amazon’s election night special is shaping up to be quite the spectacle. Whether it’s a one-time event or the start of something bigger, one thing’s for sure: Jeff Bezos and Amazon have a knack for shaking things up. Just don’t be surprised if Brian Williams ends up making headlines of his own. Again.
