Military Channel launching “The Brokaw Files”

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From the battlefields of Vietnam and Iraq, to the fall of the Berlin Wall and Watergate, iconic NBC News anchor and best-selling author Tom Brokaw has had a front row seat to history for nearly five decades. Now, in his new series The Brokaw Files, he revisits the most memorable stories in his legendary career, from Ronald Reagan’s final interview in office to the unsung heroes of 9/11 to a modern-day look at Normandy’s beaches 40 years after D-Day. Each episode features new interviews and fresh perspectives from Brokaw himself, including personal stories he’s never shared that place these seminal events into a modern context. Produced exclusively for the Military Channel by NBC News’ Peacock Productions, the show premieres Tuesday, October 16 at 10 PM E/P.


The Brokaw Files leads a new vanguard into historical programming for the Military Channel, which has tripled its programming investment this year. In addition to a slate of new series and specials showcasing the best of the armed forces, the network ushers in compelling original programming that explores the epic stories and iconic figures that changed the course of history. Each of the first six episodes takes one of Brokaw’s award-winning documentaries and adds new interviews and insights, including:

Ronald Reagan – In an interview conducted just two days before Reagan left office, Brokaw sat down with the beloved out-going president to reflect on his accomplishments, America’s challenges, and what the future holds.

Revisiting Normandy – They’re serene now but on June 6, 1944, the beaches of Normandy were awash with a sea of red. Brokaw revisited the battlefield on the 60th anniversary and spoke with three Americans who survived D-Day, but are still dealing with the horrific memories.

9/11 Air Traffic Controllers – In the chaos of 9/11, the men and women controlling the communication in the skies above America had to piece together a tragic puzzle. One year after the attacks, Brokaw sat down for an exclusive interview with these heroic air traffic controllers to discuss the events of this unimaginable attack on America’s homeland and the lessons learned.

U.S.S. Stennis Aircraft Carrier – Brokaw stepped on deck of the aircraft carrier USS. John C. Stennis to learn what a day in the life is like aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in a war zone. Brokaw gained exclusive access to the top-secret intelligence operation and flew on an F-16 mission deep into Afghanistan.

The Greatest Generation – Inspired by a trip to Normandy, Brokaw became fascinated by the cultural shifts that occurred as WWII soldiers returned home to America to rebuild their lives and their nation before passing the torch to the next generation.

The Commander in Chief – Brokaw goes behind the tour route’s velvet ropes to experience a day in the life of a U.S. president. Brokaw shadowed the Clinton White House at the one hundred-day mark of his presidency, and discussed war strategy with George W. Bush in an exclusive interview aboard Air Force One.