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.
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I'll stay out of the fray that has to do with our day with the President (I have not had time to sample the response but am told it is, shall we say, robust), except to report that we are compiling our hour-long special for MSNBC tonight, airing at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. As always, viewers and readers can judge the content for themselves from transcripts, videotape and knowledge of our schedule, venues and time constraints.
As for tonight's Nightly News, it looks like the top block will feature some combination of New Orleans (how big is the levee replacement project?) and Iraq (our promised series on realities on the ground there) and the troubles in Australia.
We'll have a dandy piece on the Department of Defense (and some questionable domestic operations) by Lisa Myers at the center of the broadcast tonight. Mike Taibbi will take on seasonal political correctness, and we'll tip our hats to the National Archives as we get off the air.
We all hope former President Gerald Ford is feeling better (after being hospitalized today for tests) and will make a quick recovery from today's treatment. I called his long-time and loyal Chief of Staff Penny Circle today when I heard the news. The former President has been very generous in years past in spending time with us, and he and Mrs. Ford have both gone out of their way to tell us they are loyal Nightly News viewers.
Back to preparing BOTH of tonight's broadcasts (my day job, plus tonight's special on MSNBC)... we sure hope you'll join us for the Tuesday edition of NBC Nightly News.
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Tonight's promoted story
As a frequent viewer of NBC Nightly News, I must express my extreme disappointment in last night's program. I agree that "staying out of the fray" is not accomplished by producing and airing a "news" program that consists of utter fluff and PR for this failing president. And I, like many other viewers, do not consider this to be "newsworthy" information. Perhaps the previous suggestion of marketing this program as "special" would be more honest and appropriate. When I sit down to watch the evening news, I expect to see real news, not White House propaganda aimed at improving the president's poll numbers. I am willing to try again. Please return to a "news" format.
Patsy Ford, Durango, Colorado (Sent Dec 13, 2005 6:46:04 PM)
I would wager to say that Brian Williams came away from that interview a lesser person for his efforts. There is no question that George W. Bush has entered his "lame duck" extent of his presidency such that he can swagger about with his usual banter of little substance while appearing to look presidential. The trouble is that Brian Williams has lost a great deal of my esteem with his "banter" with the president. In the remaining time, I would like to see Mr. Bush take the time to do his office justice by actually taking a Toastmasters course in the art of speaking because one would think that after so much time spent, he could do a better job of speaking that he doesn't do well. What troubles me further is that Brian Williams does speak well but looks like he entered his "lame duck" aspect of his career if he allows this president to look "cool" at Mr. Williams expense. I used to like Brian Williams, the heir apparent after Dan Rather's departure, but I am less sure of that acclaim. All because of this "lame duck" interview!
Dave Van Grunsven, Newberg, Oregon (Sent Dec 13, 2005 6:43:24 PM)
I do not understand the comments, repeated again by President Bush, that if we publish a timetable, the enemy will use that timetable to their advantage. I wish you had asked Mr. Bush exactly how the insurgents or terrorists will use that information.
Norman Lewak, Berkeley, CA (Sent Dec 13, 2005 5:48:28 PM)
Brian- Why would you want to "stay out of the fray" when your journalistic integrity is being called into question by this blatant PR piece that we the people had to endure.There is nothing much new being told here just the usual responses that the President has been giving for months.And with no real follow up from you, we might as well be watching Fox News.
If you and NBC want do fluff pieces on the President
do it as special program,but on Nightly NEWS when we need real answers to tough questions.
That is what the news is supposed to be providing on PUBLIC airwaves.
Jon Perez (Sent Dec 13, 2005 5:40:32 PM)
I am deeply disappointed in Brian Williams and Nightly News. Rather than airing President Bush's response to the first, thumbsucker question on each topic, I was dying to hear the answer to the third or fourth hard-hitting follow-up question that PLEASE tell me Brian asked. An exclusive with the President is not news. New, thoughtful answers would be.
Fred W., Atlanta (Sent Dec 13, 2005 5:39:48 PM)
I watched last night's program and thought Bush failed to adequately answer the questions asked, especially concerning the rebuilding of New Orleans. He also is totally failing to change any minds about his handling of the War which most of us are beginning to see was never necessary in the first place. He's brought us so much death and tragedy with this unnecessary war, he should resign in disagrace.
Judith Squires (Sent Dec 13, 2005 5:28:07 PM)
Mr. Williams, I hope you can ask the president two questions: what is the exact time table to bring the troops home and when is the new Iraq government will handle their security and country. I did catch President Bush's comment that he wasn't racist. If President Bush wasn't racist as he stated, why was he defensive? He doesn't need to be defensive if he knows in his heart that he is not racist. Just an observance.
Monique Rawlings (Sent Dec 13, 2005 5:26:37 PM)
My comment yesterday was not posted - but I will repeat here that for today's program, Mr. Brian Wiliams and NBC News will do a good service if they can disclose any explicit/implicit comitments made yesterday for President's interview (like, if any hard topics were off-limit, like missing WMD, etc). While I am certain that media can not be paid here as is done in Iraq but then question of access is a well-known one and did Mr. Brian Williams/NBC News have to buy that access? Thanks,
Rick P, Bay Area CA (Sent Dec 13, 2005 4:51:38 PM)
Why is no one discussing what will happen if after the elections, the new Iraqi government asks us to withdraw all our troops? That they will handle their security, thank you very much, and you can leave now. Be out within 6 months. Close the door when you leave. Do we refuse a democratically elected government's request?
John Eicholtz (Sent Dec 13, 2005 4:43:56 PM)
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