NBC launched what would become one of the most influential programs in broadcast journalism history when "The Huntley–Brinkley Report" made its debut on October 29, 1956. Co-anchored by Chet Huntley and David Brinkley, this groundbreaking evening news show quickly established itself as essential viewing for millions of Americans. With its distinctive reporting style and compelling delivery, the program held its position atop the ratings for more than a decade, effectively defining what network news could be.

Fun Facts:

  • What made the Huntley–Brinkley Report so distinctive was its dual-anchor setup — Chet Huntley broadcasting from New York while David Brinkley reported from Washington, D.C. This split-city format was virtually unheard of at the time, and it proved to be a winning formula, giving audiences a broader, more well-rounded perspective on the day's events.
  • When it first hit the airwaves, the broadcast ran for just 15 minutes. That changed in 1963, when the program expanded to a full 30 minutes in response to viewers' increasing appetite for deeper, more thorough news coverage.
  • Few television sign-offs have embedded themselves in American culture quite like this one: each episode ended with Huntley saying, "Good night, David," followed by Brinkley's reply, "Good night, Chet." The exchange became so well-known that it was widely parodied across popular culture.
  • Beyond its journalistic reputation, the Huntley–Brinkley Report was a dominant force in the ratings. Throughout its run, the program regularly outpaced CBS's 'The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite,' earning the distinction of being the most-watched evening news broadcast in the U.S.
  • Recognition from the industry matched the show's popular appeal — it took home multiple Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards, solidifying its place as one of the most esteemed news programs of its era.
  • The partnership came to a close in 1970 when Chet Huntley stepped into retirement, bringing the program to an end. David Brinkley, however, went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career in television news, anchoring programs for both NBC and later ABC.
  • The lasting influence of the Huntley–Brinkley Report extended well beyond its own airtime. Its innovative format and success prompted rival networks to experiment with similar approaches, fundamentally shaping how television news was presented and reinforcing the value of engaging, credible journalism.