NBC TV presenter Brian Williams calmly delivers news through a FIRE ALARM live on air

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Siren goes off moments into Nightly News broadcast...
... and carries on for more than 20 minutes of show
Problem blamed on glitches in channel's new studio

By Simon Tomlinson
Updated: 11:30 EST, 30 November 2011

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Newsreader Brian Williams proved a more-than-steady anchor for NBC last night when he calmly continued his live broadcast through a fire alarm.

Mr Williams barely batted an eyelid when a siren went off in the channel's 30 Rock studio in New York moments into the Nightly News show.

He had just started a report about American Airlines filing for bankruptcy when he was interrupted by a drone followed by an automated voice announcement.

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Cool: NBC's Nightly News anchorman Brian Williams barely reacts when a fire alarm goes off in the studio live on air last night. He calmly continues with his broadcast, but it was another 20 minutes at least until it was turned off

But he maintained his composure, only once or twice flicking his eyes upwards, as he carried on with the segment.

At one point, as the noise continued, he offered an easy chuckle and reassured viewers he was in no danger before reading on.

He said: 'Forgive us. We have a fire alarm announcement going on here in the studio.'

Very quickly, viewers began reacting on Twitter, asking why someone couldn't turn off the alarm quicker, while others praised Mr Williams' cool-headedness.

David Loughran said: 'Brian Williams is rewriting the definition of professionalism tonight.'

Mr Williams eventually handed over to his colleague Tom Costello in the channel's Washington office in the hope the now-high-pitched siren would be fixed in the meantime.

Just a slight twitch: Mr Williams flicks his eyes upwards as the siren continues while he reads the latest on a story about American Airlines filing for bankruptcy

Time for a laugh: Mr Williams jokes about the endless drone as he hands over to his colleague Tom Costello in the Washington office

But the alarm buzzed on, through the Herman Cain story and through the lead-in to a story about the siege at the British Embassy in Iran.

Mr Williams took a commercial break, but when he came back so did the alarm.

Each time, Williams kept his cool, reminding viewers everything was fine, even as his voice was again overwhelmed by the sound as he introduced a piece on Mexican drug wars.

Finally, three-quarters of the way through the program, the alarm fell silent.

As for the cause, NBC’s PR spokeswoman Erika Masonhall tweeted an explanation: 'This is the first fire alarm in our new NBC Nightly News studio.

'System should have been shut off - but clearly still working out the kinks.'

As he closed the program, Mr Williams said: 'With thanks for your co-operation. We hope to get all quiet and see you here tomorrow night.'