Edward R. Murrow would be sooooo proud
If you still are operating under the silly assumption that network television news is even slightly removed from show business, read this:
When the writers of “30 Rock” sent Brian Williams lines earlier this fall for his latest cameo, the NBC News anchor had a couple of suggestions. A scene in which he auditioned to be on the show’s fictional comedy sketch series was “too blue” for his taste. In another, in which he approached Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon about trying out for the program, Williams adopted an alter ego that paid homage to his late uncle Tony Mortarulo.
“I’m not saying I want to audition, but Nicky Mortarulo from Scotch Plains, N.J., might be interested,” Williams said with a broad grin and his best Jersey inflection. “Hey, fuggedaboutit!”
Fiddling with comedic material is not traditionally the terrain of network news anchors. But Williams, who privately cuts up colleagues with his wry humor, has grown increasingly confident about showing that side of his persona.
Some showbiz people specialize in comedy. Some in drama. Some juggle. Some sing and dance or do magic tricks. Brian Williams does news. He dabbles in little bit of everything, though.
But it’s still show business.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
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