NBC Nightly News

Legendary composer John Williams has long set the standard for music in film and television. In 1985, he created the sound of NBC News with “The Mission,” long used in flagship shows including The Today Show and NBC Nightly News. The iconic theme that has remained in the hearts and minds of audiences for decades.

In celebration of the theme’s 20th anniversary, NBC turned to Made Music Studio to produce a new version of “The Mission” for its programs. Composer and Made Music Studio Founder Joel Beckerman served as executive producer of the project, partnering with John Williams to reenergize the modern-day masterpiece. The modern, world-class production features a 100-piece orchestra recorded at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.

Frank Radice, an NBC executive at the time, lauded the work upon its premiere: “When Joel Beckerman and Made Music brought their vision of this project to us, we knew we had to make it happen. John Williams' “The Mission” has been synonymous with NBC News for twenty years, and we took this opportunity to completely revamp this iconic sound for the brand.

Radice continued, “The recordings are spellbinding, and show all the depth and power of Williams' genius. The result is more than just beneficial to the NBC News brand, it truly is a gift to our viewers: a celebration of the people, places and events that shape our lives.”

Made Music Studio would later partner again with the great John Williams, reimagining the sound of the Super Bowl on NBC.