Brian Williams is returning to the news industry.
Amazon announced Thursday that the former NBC news anchor and MSNBC host will lead its planned election night coverage on the company's Prime streaming service.
“Guests, including prominent contributors from news and traditional media representing a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints, will join us live to share real-time polling results and commentary, while also providing insight into all political affiliations,” Williams said. “We also refer to third-party news sources across the world,” the company said. It was said in the program announcement.kickoff at 5pm EST.
Williams, who has worked in the mainstream news industry for more than 40 years, said the opportunity to work at Amazon “feels like the next big thing.”
“And Amazon's global marketplace is a natural home for this first-of-its-kind business,” he said in a statement, adding, “We will follow the election night story together, wherever it leads.” ” he said.
Mr. Williams has worked at NBC for more than 20 years, most recently as host of MSNBC's 11pm show “The 11th Hour with Brian Williams,” a role he held for the last five years of his tenure.
Amazon's planned election night coverage comes as more tech companies invest in live content, including sports, news and entertainment.
It also comes as traditional broadcasters face changing consumer habits, declining ratings and a tightening linear advertising market.
