### Brian Williams to Make TV Comeback with Amazon Prime Video's Election Night Coverage

In an ambitious move, Amazon’s Prime Video is set to enter the live news domain for the first time, enlisting former NBC News star Brian Williams to anchor its presidential election results coverage. According to sources familiar with the deal, Williams, who left television in 2021 after a 28-year tenure at NBC, is finalizing his agreement with the streaming platform.

Williams, at 65, will leverage his extensive experience in election night coverage at Prime Video, having spearheaded NBC's programs in the 2008 and 2012 elections and MSNBC's coverage in 2016 and 2020. Although a Prime Video spokesperson declined to comment, insiders indicate that the agreement is imminent.

Amazon's foray into live news comes at a challenging time for traditional TV networks, which are struggling financially as audiences increasingly favor streaming platforms. Prime Video's significant success in broadcasting live sports, such as the NFL's Thursday night games and anticipated NBA games starting in 2025-26, has set a precedent for live content, with news coverage being the next venture.

Despite its leap into live election coverage, this will not mark a full-scale entry into the news business for Prime Video. The upcoming election night special is planned as a one-time broadcast. Amazon's interest was sparked by the expected participation of young voters, many of whom prefer online platforms like TikTok and YouTube over traditional TV.

The live election night program will originate from Amazon's studio in Culver City, commencing an hour before polls close on November 5. Williams is expected to remain on air until a victor is declared, although prolonged results due to a tight race could extend coverage for several days.

Notably, Prime Video's election program will differ from conventional network broadcasts. It will not feature an independent decision desk but will rely on state-by-state calls from the Associated Press. The production, overseen by Jonathan Wald, a seasoned TV news producer who formerly worked with Williams at NBC, aims to mimic the style of Williams' MSNBC show "The 11th Hour With Brian Williams," focusing on discussions with reporters, historians, and experts.

Williams' return to the anchor seat represents a significant career rehabilitation. After a scandal involving false statements about his Iraq war coverage, Williams had moved to MSNBC in 2015, where "The 11th Hour" helped restore his reputation. His sharp wit and engaging conversational style garnered him a dedicated viewership, attributes likely to attract a wide audience for Prime Video's election night coverage.