E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSEach night when we come on the air, just off camera, I have what we call the "competition monitors." As soon as I have tossed to our lead story, I look to see what the other broadcasts are doing. For the past five years, Katie Couric has been on one of those two monitors. This will be a big change.
I just called Katie – she is my friend as well as my competitor, and we see each other often. Of course, NBC will always be considered Katie’s home, where Americans got to know her. I'm thrilled for her that she got to experience this terrific television staple and tradition: anchoring one of the three network evening newscasts. She has been...and remains...tough competition. She now moves to a new genre, a new day part.
I've been fortunate, all these years, to compete against people I admire and respect, and they include people with names like Peter and Dan and Bob and Charlie and Diane and Katie. All of them superb journalists and towering professionals—they all represent individual chapters in the history of this side of the television business.
I will miss Katie—but Katie isn't really going away. It just means the picture will change once again.
We hope you can join us tonight.
Leave a Comment:
Brian, you're one of the classiest guys I know!
Brian, you're one of the classiest guys I know.
written below as I messed up yet again sorry guys
Brian once again you prove why your one of the view examples of leadership and class we have today. Your edification of your competition is what sets you apart as a leader. Many saw the competition of Obama and Hillary without understanding they are friends. We have such poor examples of leadership to show the young people it's sad. Students looking to major in Journalist can learn alot from you, which will help them in their careers.
Well it seems American like The Donald as a choice for President as he announced he would openly commit War Crimes by stealing Libyan/Iraq Oil. The Donald he was following what he head about Obama's birth certificate but really had no proof. How he says he wants to see Obama's education grades because he doesn't think he qualifies as President.
Brian America feared terrorist for years after the 9/11 attack. But now the terrorist are watching how easy it is to take a country as home grown criminals make is easy. Deregulation allows a free for all by Banks/Corporations/Oil Companies. But even many Journalist ignore it was under President Reagan/Congress that allowed this freedom. 2004, 2007 and 2008 the gas prices sky rocketed as Americans were told the President couldn't do anything and Law Makers ignored the problem. Today Oil Companies again are raising the prices for bigger profits but this time it's all President Obama fault. You figure that one out as it's hard to believe people are really that stupid to believe the lies this time.
I agree with what Jackie Rawlings has written above. I've always admired journalists who are respectful of their competitor/colleagues, and certainly the nation has been blessed these past years with outstanding anchors for network news casts on the three major networks. I enjoy watching ALL of you, though here in Salt Lake City, as in most markets, your newscasts all come on at the same time. You are a class act, Mr. Williams, as is Katie, Diane and all of the other anchors you've mentioned. Thanks for your examples to all of other journalists who've come to trust and rely on you, and your teams of reporters, cameramen and women, producers and staff members for keeping us in the know. I appreciated your kind words to Katie. I'm sure she does as well.
Brian
I would never put you in the “dumb as a box of rocks” category, (however there are a few on the morning NBC show that fit that description. . . but, I digress) but I’m sure you’re extremely grateful for Mr. Schafly’s invention of the Prompter.
I too was shocked to hear of the passing of Phoebe Snow, I remember first hearing her in the mid-70’s. She wasn’t a “Top 10 Pop Music Artist” but she did have a few major hits and a loyal following. She had a tough personal life, since her daughter was a special needs child, she was told her daughter wouldn’t make through childhood, but she did make it to adulthood, passing away when she was 30.
I remember her even visiting Howard Stern’s radio show quite frequently, I read in her obit that he had her sing at his wedding two years ago. I for one will certainly miss her unique voice.
Regarding the departure of Katie Couric, I agree with what David Letterman told her, once you take the job as an anchorperson for a National News broadcast, you should stay there, she knew going in that CBS wasn’t the Top Rated evening newscast when she took the job. I don’t understand why she thinks people will want to watch her in the daytime and give her high ratings when they’re obviously not watching her in the evening.
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening as always. Very nice posting! You are so classy and respectful. A true gentleman. You are definitely NOT "as dumb as a box of rocks" An excellent journalist, Managing Editor and Anchor of NBC Nightly News! Mr.Schafly's invention of the teleprompter has helped many on TV and Presidents of the United States give speeches and I'm sure you are thankful for it as many others are too.
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report on the severe weather that has hampered much of the Midsection and Eastern side of the nation. Seeing the "wedge" tornado was incredible ands frightening not only for the winds, but massive size. Winds being around 135mph certainly caused devatating damage to homes and businesses. The accounts of residents telling of trees crashing through their homes during the storm was scary. People are truly doing all they can to clean up in the aftermath of the storm in taking one step at a time. This storm system is relentless bringing even more strong storms in the next few days with hopefully some clearing by the end of the week.
The report by Andrea Mitchell concerning Syria and the terrible crackdown by the government on protestors shows a desperate situation. People in the region having no possible way out in fear of being shot is horrible. The region being cut off with no cellphone usage and no power limits many images and reports from getting out to the world. Yet, there are some pictures which are shown and they do reveal a desperate situation. One hopes something can be done to help the people within the chaos.
Nice to know Ford had its highest profit since 1998.
The piece by Kate Snow showed how Prince William is keeping the memory of his mother close in this time of his getting married the Kate Middleton. Many comparisons are being made between Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, yet there are considerable differences too. Having seen Prince William grow up and leanr how close he was to his mother it it truly understandable that he wants to keep her close especially at this joyful time. She was an inspiration to many people and she and William were so close. Shaping the future and keeping the memory of Princess Diana alive. Very Special.
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to You and to All!
Wishing Katie Couric the very best in future endeavors!
Be Well Everyone!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
Lisa
Brian, another excellent broadcast. If Paul is like his son, if elected president, he would set our country
back centuries because Rand Paul is racist and sexist. I would love to see George W. Bush on the Ticket in 2012.
How hard can it be to circumvent the Constitution? It would be a wild election with Bush vs. Obama. Bush is opposed to the NWO and Obama is not. Good
that NATO stepped up airstrikes. Gadhafi's forces are using Grad Missiles which are Russian made. Kentucky
is under a tornado watch until 11PM. Have a nice evening!!! Phyllis
Brian your report on Lady Diana was what many thought of during these days before the wedding. Diana was a brave wonderful woman and her son's were taught the tools of life that many Mom's teach their kids. America watched John John and Caroline grow up. But Di showed use her baby bump, new born and every stage of their young lives. Wills is still ask cute as he was as a baby. I remember when Diana was having problems and pain, how it was her young son who she took comfort. Diana did what all Mom's did, tell the oldest to watch out for the younger ones. Diana have values only God can give but she was human and wasn't perfect. She will be at the wedding and always with her son's as Wills saw it was Diana the embraced the World and how the World embraced her back. I wrote to the boys years again when Wills had an anniversary celebration for his Mom. I got a lovely letter from Wills and Harry, who showed the respect their Mom taught them. Charles is a product of his life and it was sad to see he learned to late how great Diana was as a person and a Mom. He did step up and did the best he could and the boys see that. I was happy to hear NBC report the truth that it was Wills and Kate who planned their wedding and took control of the guest they wanted. He and Kate are doing their wedding their way.
As for the rest of the report well DUMB AS A BOX OF ROCKS just about says it all, I'll borrow that phase in the future, it fixes so much today.
have a great evening all
awesome and inspiring! :) #genuinelyloveit!