Amazon Prime Video is making waves in the live news space by launching an election night special coverage, headlined by former NBC News anchor Brian Williams. Williams is teaming up with his former colleague Jonathan Wald to create a one-night news division and bring together a team of commentators and journalists to cover the election results. Some familiar faces, such as Shepard Smith and Abby Huntsman, will be part of the Amazon team for the special broadcast.
The election night coverage will have a traditional feel, with acceptance speeches, pundit discussions, and coverage of when other news organizations call states. Amazon won’t have its own decision desk but will ensure that all viewpoints are represented. The broadcast will take place in a giant former MGM soundstage, now owned by Amazon, and will feature the latest technology to enhance the viewing experience.
Williams is making a comeback after keeping a low profile following his departure from MSNBC in 2021. He sees this opportunity with Amazon as a chance to get back into the competitive broadcasting world and tap into the future of streaming media. The election night coverage will be available for free on Amazon’s platform, allowing anyone with a device to tune in without a subscription or log-in.
With the possibility of not knowing the ultimate outcome of the election by the time the broadcast ends, Williams is prepared for a long night of coverage. He acknowledges that this venture with Amazon is a big undertaking and is unsure of what the future holds for himself or the streaming service after the election night special. Regardless, Williams is enthusiastic about the opportunity and is looking forward to delivering a streamlined and informative broadcast for viewers.
