Streaming platform Netflix is expanding its portfolio with original audio content, banking on established names in television news. The main draw is the new podcast series We’re Back! With Brian Williams, hosted by the former face of NBC News and MSNBC, Brian Williams. The show, which will launch later this year, promises relaxed conversations with personalities from culture, sports, and media.
Williams' new project is being produced by his long-time collaborator Jonathan Wald. For Williams, this is another significant step into the digital space after he hosted a special for the 2024 election night for Prime Video. Netflix is thus confirming the trend of engaging acclaimed journalists in formats that combine entertainment and current events.
In addition to Williams, Ellison Barber, NBC News correspondent, is also heading into the podcast world, debuting a video podcast called Allegedly on April 29. Produced by NBC News Studios, the series will focus on the true crime genre and an analysis of media-followed criminal cases with the participation of experts and direct participants in the events.
“Williams will conduct broadly conceived discussions with actors, writers, musicians, and unexpected newsmakers about their work, their lives, and the times we live in.”
Linear and digital networks are also reporting changes. NBC News Now is expanding its morning programming by a two-hour block focused on economics, hosted by Christine Romans, starting this summer. The streaming platform is also moving to the iconic Studio 3A at Rockefeller Plaza. Rival CNN is banking on nostalgia, bringing archival interviews with legendary host Larry King back to its application.
Personnel changes in American media continue in other positions as well. Chris Wiggins is moving from The New York Times to CNN to head the machine learning and artificial intelligence department. Also joining the same network as a contributor is Ari Shapiro. Meanwhile, Fox Nation is renewing Greg Gutfeld's game show, and Newsmax has introduced a new hosting duo for its weekend morning broadcasts.
As part of professional awards, the recipient of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) award was announced. It went to Kaitlan Collins of CNN, who will receive the award for exceptional reporting from the White House under time pressure, specifically for reporting on Donald Trump's meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.