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Subscribe to RSSAnn Curry writes: It appears Egypt is nearing a "tipping point," as NBC Richard Engel puts it, with tomorrow's planned demonstration in Cairo expected to be the biggest yet.
Which is why Brian Williams has been spending a lot of time on planes, flying to Egypt to broadcast live from there tonight, despite some overwhelming technical odds against success.
I write this preparing to co-anchor the broadcast from New York, and can tell you our plan is to report in-depth on this gathering storm, and on the evacuation of hundreds of Americans today. We’ll have reports from Cairo, Washington and Israel.
On top of that, we have another storm to tell you about, this one of snow and ice, that's predicted to affect no fewer than 30 states.
It's intense here behind the scenes, the clock ticking as everyone scrambles for tonight's broadcast.
Fingers crossed.
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I feel as badly as anyone for the people of Egypt. Pardon my ignorance, but I can't get past the thought that NO news program has revealed or listed Egyptians' specific complaints about their ruler. My head isn't "stuck" to TV news accounts or in newspapers, and I understand that showing demonstrations up close is the way news is delivered today. You think we want and like sensationalism; and, of course, some folks do.
However, I would like to see Brian Williams (or anyone else) enumerate what Mubarak is doing or has done that has caused such devastating turmoil in his country. And, if Egypt is an important ally, why would the US support a country whose ruler is a tyrant, a human rights offender?
Riots are riots, and they all look the same. How about some in-depth news?
Thank you for listening.
It's important to understand how Nightly News operates. It is not the goal of Brian and his producers to explain things or to provide information. Their goal is simply to run the stories and show the footage that will attract the most viewers. That way, Nightly News can get the highest ratings and charge the highest ad rates. If George Clooney had starred in a movie about riots in a Middle Eastern country, they would be showing those clips instead of the actual riots (I guess "Syriana" didn't have any good riot scenes). That's what Nightly News is about. If you want in-depth analysis, watch BBC World News America or the PBS NewsHour.
Good evening, Ann.
Tonight's broadcast was absolutely excellent, and I want to thank all of NBC Nightly News for putting it together from Cairo tonight despite the obvious technical downgrade. It is a crucial and important time for Egypt, and it was the sooner the better that NBC broadcast from there, and I am very proud they have done so tonight! Great thanks to Brian, Richard, Lester and all the rest for being there and also to you for sitting in for Brian for the national news of the day! This giant snow storm headed most of the country's way is quite troubling, and I hope everyone out there about to be impacted by it stays as safe and warm as possible.
Thank you, Ann! Have a good night, and to Brian, Richard, Lester and all the rest in Cairo tonight: Thank you very much and please stay safe out there.
-Cary
Good Evening Ann, an excellent broadcast from Cairo this evening! The entire NBC News team did a fantastic job and have the BEST journalists with the most experience!
The situation in Egypt is critical and historic which could impact the furture of the region and other Middle Eastern countries. It will be a tense and important day tomorrow with the million march planned by protestors. Riveting situation.
Looking forward to more excellent coverage. Thank You Ann, Mr.Williams, Richard, Mr.Holt,Mr.Fletcher,and the entire NBC team. Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well!
Peace to You and to All!
Lisa
I try hard to watch Nightly nightly. We were a little distressed to see last night's "team coverage" in Egypt, however. While some on-site coverage is probably essential for accurate reporting, one has to question how wise it is to put a whole crew of people in harm's way. The masses of folks jamming the airport trying to get out is a good indicator of where it's NOT good to be.
I hope no harm comes to the news team in this chaos, but I also pray that nobody else has to go into harm's way to rescue them.
Ann: Call it a Gathering Storm, a Perfect Storm, or a tipping Point, the inferno in Egypt is getting hotter, and hotter. A partial chain reaction already exists as far as several other regional countries are concerned. Just like a forest fire spreads, These protests against ossified governments, will probably fan more heat in the Middle-East. I heard a report that Mubarak will not run in the next Egyptian election. If true, perhaps a more liberal leader will take the helm. The next president of Egypt should not have a military background. I'm not stating this would be an improvement for the masses, but it would be a beginning; however only time will tell. Egypt is a ticking time bomb, ready to explode. Will the fuse be pulled? Stay tuned!
On the colder side of things, more storms are developing, which will cause more havoc, especially for the North East, and Mid-West. The frequency of these events is most disturbing. I have never witnessed the volume, and velocity of of these Winter events. I wonder if the Big Apple will be attacked again. I've had enough in my neck of the woods, and I'm sure you have too. Stay warm! I'll be watching tonight's broadcast, with Brian, and Lester. Their reporting is top notch! (Only on NBC) Bye for now.