Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

NBC Nightly News Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Home Return to Study Hints Random
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: NBC Nightly News: History and Evolution

Cheat Sheet:
NBC Nightly News: History and Evolution Study Guide

Program Genesis and Early Years (1970-1980s)

NBC Nightly News debuted on August 3, 1970, replacing The Huntley–Brinkley Report.

Answer: True

Explanation: NBC Nightly News commenced its broadcast on August 3, 1970, succeeding The Huntley–Brinkley Report.

Return to Game

The "Camel News Caravan" was the immediate predecessor to NBC Nightly News.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Camel News Caravan" preceded the Huntley-Brinkley Report, which was the immediate predecessor to NBC Nightly News.

Return to Game

The Huntley–Brinkley Report featured only one anchor, Chet Huntley.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Huntley-Brinkley Report was co-anchored by Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.

Return to Game

The "NBC Saturday Night Report" was anchored by John Chancellor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "NBC Saturday Night Report," which debuted in 1961, was initially anchored by Sander Vanocur, not John Chancellor.

Return to Game

What program did NBC Nightly News replace when it first aired on August 3, 1970?

Answer: The Huntley–Brinkley Report

Explanation: NBC Nightly News debuted on August 3, 1970, taking the place of The Huntley–Brinkley Report.

Return to Game

How did NBC Nightly News fare in the ratings during the 1970s under John Chancellor's tenure?

Answer: It often held a strong second place, but could not surpass Walter Cronkite's CBS Evening News.

Explanation: During the 1970s, under John Chancellor's anchoring, NBC Nightly News frequently secured a strong second place in ratings but did not surpass Walter Cronkite's CBS Evening News.

Return to Game

Which of the following was NOT a program replaced or preceded by NBC Nightly News or its direct predecessors?

Answer: The Huntley Report

Explanation: NBC Nightly News replaced The Huntley–Brinkley Report and was preceded by The Camel News Caravan. The "NBC Saturday Night Report" was an earlier Saturday newscast. "The Huntley Report" is not identified as a predecessor program in the provided data.

Return to Game

Who anchored the "NBC Saturday Night Report" when NBC first offered a Saturday evening newscast in 1961?

Answer: Sander Vanocur

Explanation: Sander Vanocur was the inaugural anchor for the "NBC Saturday Night Report" when NBC introduced its Saturday evening newscast in 1961.

Return to Game

Anchor Legacies and Tenure Milestones

John Chancellor became the sole anchor of NBC Nightly News in 1976.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Chancellor became the sole anchor of NBC Nightly News on August 9, 1971, not in 1976.

Return to Game

Tom Brokaw anchored NBC Nightly News for over two decades, from 1982 to 2004.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tom Brokaw served as anchor from April 5, 1982, becoming solo anchor on September 5, 1983, until December 1, 2004, a tenure of 22 years.

Return to Game

Lester Holt's appointment as anchor marked the first time an African-American solo anchored a major network evening newscast.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lester Holt's permanent appointment as anchor of NBC Nightly News made him the first African-American to solo anchor a major network evening newscast.

Return to Game

David Brinkley provided a commentary segment called "David Brinkley's Journal" after John Chancellor became the sole anchor.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following John Chancellor's appointment as sole anchor in August 1971, David Brinkley provided a three-minute commentary segment titled "David Brinkley's Journal" several times a week.

Return to Game

Tom Llamas is the current anchor for the weeknight broadcasts of NBC Nightly News.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tom Llamas debuted as the weeknight anchor of NBC Nightly News on June 2, 2025, succeeding Lester Holt.

Return to Game

Brian Williams' tenure as anchor began immediately after Tom Brokaw's final broadcast.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brian Williams began his tenure as anchor on December 2, 2004, immediately following Tom Brokaw's final broadcast on December 1, 2004.

Return to Game

Tom Llamas anchored ABC's World News Tonight on weekends before returning to NBC News.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to rejoining NBC News in 2021, Tom Llamas served as an anchor for ABC's World News Tonight on weekends.

Return to Game

Who are the current anchors for the weeknight, Saturday, and Sunday broadcasts of NBC Nightly News as of June 2, 2025?

Answer: Tom Llamas (Weeknights), Jose Diaz-Balart (Saturdays), Hallie Jackson (Sundays)

Explanation: As of June 2, 2025, Tom Llamas anchors the weeknight broadcasts, Jose Diaz-Balart anchors on Saturdays, and Hallie Jackson anchors on Sundays.

Return to Game

What was David Brinkley's role after John Chancellor became the sole anchor in August 1971?

Answer: He provided a three-minute commentary segment called "David Brinkley's Journal."

Explanation: After John Chancellor became the sole anchor in August 1971, David Brinkley provided a commentary segment known as "David Brinkley's Journal" several times a week.

Return to Game

What is the historical significance of Lester Holt's appointment as anchor?

Answer: He was the first African-American solo weeknight anchor of a major network newscast.

Explanation: Lester Holt's appointment as the permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News marked a significant milestone, making him the first African-American to hold such a position solo on a major network evening newscast.

Return to Game

What was the duration of Tom Brokaw's tenure as the network's chief newsman?

Answer: 21 years

Explanation: Tom Brokaw served as the network's chief newsman for a tenure of 21 years at NBC.

Return to Game

What was the purpose of the "David Brinkley's Journal" segment?

Answer: To offer commentary on current events by David Brinkley.

Explanation: The "David Brinkley's Journal" segment served as a platform for David Brinkley to provide commentary on current events.

Return to Game

Broadcast Reach and Special Editions

NBC Nightly News is currently the highest-rated network newscast in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: NBC Nightly News is currently the second most-watched network newscast in the United States, trailing behind ABC's World News Tonight.

Return to Game

The program "NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition" is exclusively available on the NBC television network.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition" is available on NBC News's YouTube channel and occasionally airs on Saturdays on NBC, not exclusively on the main network.

Return to Game

NBC Nightly News broadcasts seven days a week, with each broadcast lasting approximately 60 minutes.

Answer: False

Explanation: NBC Nightly News broadcasts seven days a week, but each broadcast typically lasts 30 minutes, not 60 minutes.

Return to Game

NBC Nightly News ceased broadcasting in Europe in April 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: The simulcast of NBC Nightly News on CNBC Europe concluded in April 2025, being replaced by business programming.

Return to Game

The broadcast of NBC Nightly News on CNBC Europe included the Sunday edition until April 2025.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sunday edition of NBC Nightly News was not shown on CNBC Europe prior to April 2025.

Return to Game

How was NBC Nightly News broadcast in the Philippines prior to February 2015?

Answer: On 9TV

Explanation: Prior to February 2015, NBC Nightly News was broadcast in the Philippines on 9TV.

Return to Game

What is the "NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition"?

Answer: A weekly program on NBC's YouTube channel and occasional Saturday broadcasts tailored for children aged 6-16.

Explanation: The "NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition," launched in April 2020, is a version of the newscast targeted at children aged 6 to 16, with new episodes premiering weekly on NBC News's YouTube channel and occasional Saturday broadcasts on NBC.

Return to Game

Which of the following is true regarding the broadcast of NBC Nightly News in Europe prior to April 2025?

Answer: It was broadcast on CNBC Europe, but the Sunday edition was not shown.

Explanation: Prior to April 2025, NBC Nightly News was broadcast on CNBC Europe, but the Sunday edition was excluded from this broadcast.

Return to Game

Branding, Technology, and Digital Presence

NBC Nightly News was the last of the three major network evening news programs to transition to high definition broadcasting.

Answer: False

Explanation: NBC Nightly News began broadcasting in high definition on March 26, 2007, making it the first of the three major network evening news programs to do so.

Return to Game

The video podcast of NBC Nightly News was discontinued in 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: The video podcast of NBC Nightly News was discontinued on February 14, 2015, not in 2018.

Return to Game

The rebrand on June 19, 2023, introduced a new stylized "N" emblem similar to the 1979–1986 "Proud N" logo.

Answer: True

Explanation: The June 19, 2023, rebrand incorporated a new stylized "N" emblem, which drew inspiration from the "Proud N" logo used by NBC between 1979 and 1986.

Return to Game

The "NBC Nightly News Ticker" theme music was used from 1977 to 1985.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "NBC News Ticker" theme music was utilized from November 13, 1972, to April 22, 1977.

Return to Game

NBC Nightly News is available as an audio podcast worldwide but not as a video stream on demand.

Answer: False

Explanation: NBC Nightly News is available worldwide as an audio podcast and can also be streamed on demand from the NBC News website.

Return to Game

NBC Nightly News broadcasts from Studio 1A at NBC Studios in Los Angeles.

Answer: False

Explanation: NBC Nightly News broadcasts from Studio 1A at NBC Studios in New York City.

Return to Game

The "NBC Nightly Films" series was launched in 2018 to cover breaking news events.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "NBC Nightly Films" series was launched in 2018 as an ongoing series of specials, not specifically to cover breaking news events.

Return to Game

The logo used from October 2007 to October 2016 featured only the program title without the NBC peacock.

Answer: False

Explanation: The logo used from October 2007 to October 2016 was an SVG graphic that included the NBC peacock alongside the program title.

Return to Game

When did NBC Nightly News begin broadcasting in high definition (HD)?

Answer: March 26, 2007

Explanation: NBC Nightly News commenced its high definition broadcasts on March 26, 2007.

Return to Game

Who replaced Michael Douglas as the voiceover announcer for the opening of the weeknight broadcast?

Answer: Bill Wolff

Explanation: Bill Wolff replaced Michael Douglas as the voiceover announcer for the opening of the weeknight broadcast starting June 18, 2015.

Return to Game

What significant change occurred in the NBC Nightly News branding on June 19, 2023?

Answer: A large-scale rebrand was introduced, including a new graphics scheme and stylized "N" emblem.

Explanation: On June 19, 2023, NBC Nightly News underwent a significant rebrand, featuring a new graphics scheme and a stylized "N" emblem as part of a broader NBC rebranding effort.

Return to Game

How is NBC Nightly News available on demand or as a podcast?

Answer: Streamed on demand from the NBC News website and available as an audio podcast worldwide.

Explanation: NBC Nightly News is accessible on demand via the NBC News website and is also available globally as an audio podcast.

Return to Game

When did the video podcast of NBC Nightly News cease to be available?

Answer: February 14, 2015

Explanation: The video podcast of NBC Nightly News was discontinued on February 14, 2015.

Return to Game

What was the "NBC TV-Radio Newspulse" theme music used for?

Answer: A specific period of NBC Nightly News broadcasts from April to September 1977

Explanation: The "NBC TV-Radio Newspulse" theme music was utilized during a specific period of NBC Nightly News broadcasts, from April 25, 1977, to September 5, 1977.

Return to Game

What was the purpose of the "NBC Nightly Films" series launched in 2018?

Answer: To present an ongoing series of specials.

Explanation: The "NBC Nightly Films" series, launched in 2018, serves as an ongoing collection of specials.

Return to Game

Key Events and Controversies

Brian Williams was suspended from NBC Nightly News due to inaccuracies in his reporting during Hurricane Katrina.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brian Williams' suspension stemmed from conflated accounts of his experiences in Iraq and questions regarding his reporting during Hurricane Katrina.

Return to Game

Tom Brokaw was the only network anchor present in Berlin when the Berlin Wall fell.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tom Brokaw was indeed the sole network anchor present in Berlin during the historic fall of the Berlin Wall.

Return to Game

The controversy surrounding Brian Williams involved his reporting during the 2001 anthrax attacks.

Answer: False

Explanation: The controversy surrounding Brian Williams primarily involved his reporting during the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina, not the 2001 anthrax attacks.

Return to Game

During the September 11, 2001 attacks, Tom Brokaw declared the events constituted an attack on the United States.

Answer: True

Explanation: On September 11, 2001, Tom Brokaw anchored coverage and stated that the events represented an attack on the United States.

Return to Game

Which major global event did Tom Brokaw cover as the *only* network anchor present in Berlin?

Answer: The fall of the Berlin Wall

Explanation: Tom Brokaw was the sole network anchor present in Berlin when the significant event of the fall of the Berlin Wall occurred.

Return to Game

What controversy led to Brian Williams' suspension from NBC Nightly News?

Answer: Conflating his account of being aboard a helicopter shot down in Iraq and questions about Hurricane Katrina reporting.

Explanation: Brian Williams' suspension was due to inaccuracies related to his reporting, specifically conflating his experiences in Iraq and issues with his coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

Return to Game

What was the primary reason for Brian Williams' suspension from NBC Nightly News?

Answer: Inaccurate reporting regarding his experiences in Iraq and during Hurricane Katrina.

Explanation: Brian Williams' suspension was primarily due to inaccurate reporting concerning his experiences in Iraq and questions raised about his coverage during Hurricane Katrina.

Return to Game

What was the nature of the anthrax incident involving NBC News in September 2001?

Answer: A letter containing anthrax was addressed to Tom Brokaw, and two employees were infected.

Explanation: In September 2001, a letter containing anthrax was addressed to anchor Tom Brokaw as part of the 2001 anthrax attacks, resulting in two NBC News employees being infected.

Return to Game

Which of the following events was covered by Tom Brokaw as anchor of NBC Nightly News?

Answer: All of the above

Explanation: Tom Brokaw covered major events such as the EDSA Revolution and the Loma Prieta earthquake. The provided source material also lists Hurricane Andrew among his covered events.

Return to Game

What did NBC News do with the package received from Seung-Hui Cho in April 2007?

Answer: They handed the package over to federal authorities and showed edited contents on air.

Explanation: NBC News handed over the package from Seung-Hui Cho to federal authorities and subsequently broadcast edited portions of its contents.

Return to Game