Multi-Millionaire Brian Williams Lectures on Presidential Campaign Spending

NewBusters.org ^ | August 17, 2012 | Kyle Drennen

[Kaslin]

On Thursday's NBC Nightly News, sanctimonious anchor Brian Williams lamented the fact that "spending on 2012 presidential radio and TV ads has now surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark" and proceeded to list other things the money could buy, such as feeding  "9.2 million malnourished children for 50 days" or "provide clean water for 500 million children for 40 days."

While Williams's philanthropic suggestions are certainly worthy causes, he only briefly noted where that money actually went: "By and large this money goes to TV stations and networks." NBC and others could always give away the air time for free.

According to TV Guide, Williams himself is the third highest-paid television news personality, hauling in $13 million a year. Maybe he could take a pay cut this year.  

Perhaps Williams should have cited an actual example of $500 million being wasted by the Obama administration on the bankrupt solar company Solyndra. Why didn't he ride in on his high horse when that news broke?

Here is a full transcript of the August 16 scolding by Williams:

7:05PM ET

BRIAN WILLIAMS: And from the world of presidential politics, today our country quietly reached and passed a new threshold. As of today, according to the analysis of our own NBC News political unit, spending on 2012 presidential radio and TV ads has now surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark. With $37 million spent just this week so far, the grand total is now $512 million. That's about as much as was spent in the entire '08 campaign and it's not even Labor Day yet.

By and large this money goes to TV stations and networks, but we thought we would take a look at what else that much money could buy. For starters, $500 million could feed 9.2 million malnourished children for 50 days. It could immunize 29 million children for life. It could provide clean water for 500 million children for 40 days. And it could buy 166 million antimalarial mosquito bed nets, two for every person in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Instead, it's buying television commercials and the real general election campaign hasn't really even started yet.

[smoothsailing]

[Heart of Georgia]

The anchor should have brought it up a year ago and headed the big spending off at the pass. At that time, his buddy was bragging that he would raise 1 billion to spend on his campaign.

[al baby]

I heard that turd of a report this morning it was laffable

[dainbramaged]

Words of wisdom from an overpaid piece of talking furniture.

[Cyber Liberty]

Brian Williams has "Concern Eyebrows." Like John F'n Kerry.

Separated at birth?

[God luvs America]

Maybe the corporation who pay Williams salary, GE, should start paying tax and paying their fair share for those things.

[FoxPro]

TV ads has now surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark

That is about 1/12th how much Americans spend on potato chips each year.

[dfwgator]

When I first saw Brian Williams, I swore I thought he was Peter Jennings’ younger brother.

[bigbob]

I’ve never understood why some conservatives seem to hold this guy in higher esteem than the other MSM jags...

[jeffc]

spending on 2012 presidential radio and TV ads has now surpassed the half-billion-dollar mark.

In response, NBC should lower the cost of political ads......

/S

[Cyber Liberty]

Yeah, I can see that...

[clintonh8r]

Brian Williams is very pleased with himself.....

[bonehead4freedom]

We used to decide what went on the air,how the debate was framed,and even who people should vote for. Now the new media and independent groups are getting their message out preventing the people from coming to the correct conclusions! But don't worry we'll run more stories about big money ad buys and the need for more government assisted fairness, then we can get back to the right gate keepers being in charge again!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Kaslin.

[SunkenCiv]

How many years could FR run on $500 million?

Before answering, remember two words — “server farm”. :’)

[randita]

Consumers in the United States spend more than $7 billion US Dollars (USD) a year on potato chips, which adds up to 2-4 billion pounds (1-2 billion kg) of potato chips a year. About 12 million pounds (5.5 million kg) of potato chips are eaten on Super Bowl Sunday alone.

Which is more important? Elections? Or people stuffing their faces with calorie laden snacks?

Why doesn't Brian Williams go on a crusade against potato chips? Imagine how many malnourished children would be fed or clean water provided if people didn't eat chips.