Amazon’s recent venture into the realm of live news changes the dynamics of traditional broadcasting as the online retail giant takes to real-time, nationally significant events streaming. The platform’s first attempt in news delivery was during the United States’ highly anticipated 2020 election night with a special segment hosted by acclaimed journalist and television news anchor Brian Williams.
The e-commerce juggernaut’s debut in live news is an unprecedented move that lays the foundation for a potential future of creating and broadcasting their own news content. By delivering major headlines to an increasingly digital savvy consumer base, Amazon can pave the path for other online platforms to follow suit and utilize their digital stratospheres for news coverage.
Inviting veteran broadcaster Brian Williams to host the election night special exemplifies Amazon’s commitment to producing quality and reliable coverage. Williams, who spent more than ten years as the principal anchor of NBC Nightly News, brings a level of respectability and tradition associated with old-school broadcast journalism. His knowledge, trustworthiness, and expertise added gravitas to Amazon’s inaugural live news event.
Amazon’s foray into live news with the election night special also signals a shift in the way news might be consumed in future. Till now, many people have been reliant on traditional cable networks or news websites for election updates. But with Amazon entering the fray, coverage of important national and global events could potentially reach audience members who might not have a cable subscription or easy access to other sources of information. Amazon’s vast user base offers a ready audience for this type of content.
Moreover, this move into live news showcases Amazon’s continuous growth from an online retail platform into a multifaceted digital titan. This venture underlines the company’s strategic move into content creation, a transition that started with its acquisition of The Washington Post in 2013 and the establishment of Amazon Studios several years ago. This foray into live news coverage not only diversifies Amazon’s offerings but also positions the company to potentially gain advertising revenues from free news content.
Finally, by bringing the election night special into millions of homes through devices such as Amazon Fire TV and the Echo Show, Amazon encourages the habit of accessing news content from non-traditional sources. This not only drives the utility of Amazon’s hardware but also fortifies the status of Amazon as a major player in the media scene.
In conclusion, Amazon’s first foray into live news on election night with Brian Williams was a strategic and noteworthy move. The venture not only highlighted a significant pivot towards content creation but also
