Amazon is jumping into live news coverage starting with an election night special. The special, airing on November 5th starting at 5 p.m. ET, will provide real-time election results and analysis from various sources. Amazon emphasized the non-partisan nature of the coverage, promising to draw information from a diverse range of third-party news organizations.
Williams, who left NBC News in 2021 after a long and distinguished career, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture. “After 41 years in the business — from local news to network shows to cable news — this feels like the next big thing,” he said. “And the global marketplace of Amazon is a natural home for this first-of-its-kind venture.”
“After 41 years in the business – from local news to network shows to cable news – this feels like the next big thing. And the global marketplace of Amazon is a natural home for this first-of-its-kind venture,” said Brian Williams. “Together we will follow the storyline on election night wherever it leads us.”
This initiative builds on Amazon’s increasing investment in live programming. The company has been aggressively expanding its sports offerings on Prime Video, securing lucrative deals to stream NFL Thursday Night Football, some NHL games, and, most recently, NBA games starting in the 2025-26 season. These efforts aim to attract and retain Prime subscribers while driving revenue for Amazon’s burgeoning advertising business.
Now, Amazon is setting its sights on becoming a significant player in the news landscape. The company already offers a variety of streaming news channels on Prime Video, including live content from major networks like ABC News, CNN, Fox News, and NBC News.
By offering a live election night special, Amazon is taking a major step towards establishing itself as a go-to destination for news consumers. The company is leveraging its vast reach and technological prowess to deliver a comprehensive and accessible news experience, further solidifying its position as a dominant force in the media industry.
This move could potentially disrupt the traditional television news landscape, as streaming platforms like Amazon continue to challenge the established players. With Brian Williams at the helm, Amazon’s election night coverage is poised to attract a large audience and make a significant impact on how viewers consume news.