Brian Williams

Brian Williams is an American journalist who replaced Tom Brokaw in December 2004 as the anchor for NBC Nightly News.

Fast Facts

1. Born: May 5, 1959 in Elmira, New York
2. Attended Brookdale Community College, George Washington University, and Catholic University of America, but did not finish his degree
3. Left university to intern with then-President Jimmy Carter
4. Began broadcasting in 1981
5. Replaced newscasting legend Tom Brokaw in 2004
6. Yearly salary is reportedly more than $10 million
7. Multiple Emmy Award winner
8. Only network anchor to report from New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina hit

Timeline

1. May 5, 1959: Born in a middle-class Irish Catholic family
2. June 7, 1986: Marries Jane Stoddard
3. August, 1997: Covers the death of Princess Diana
4. December, 2004:
   • -Succeeds Tom Brokaw as anchor of NBC Nightly News
   • -Covers the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami
5. March, 2005: Reports on the death of Pope John Paul II
6. August, 2005: Is the only network anchor to covers Hurricane Katrina live from New Orleans
7. April, 2007: Reports on the Virginia Tech Shooting

Career Overview

Williams started his broadcasting career in 1981 at a local Kansas TV station. Notable Williams broadcasts include his reporting in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks and from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. Williams has also made self-deprecating, comedic appearances on Saturday Night Live and with the sketch comedy troupe, Upright Citizens Brigade.

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