NBC's Blayne Alexander on Landing Her 'Dream Job' as the Newest Dateline Correspondent: 'So Humbled by It All' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

‘Dateline’s Newest Correspondent, Blayne Alexander.Photo:NBC News(2)

NBC News(2)

Datelineis adding a new member to its all-star lineup of journalists.Blayne Alexander joins the weekly true crime show as an official correspondent after more than five years working for theNBC Newsteam. Her work has been featured across the network’s various platforms includingNBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, theTODAY Showand on two previous episodes ofDatelinein 2023 and 2024.“I’m very excited to join a legacy program likeDateline,” Alexander tells PEOPLE. “As a journalist, there [are] so many different dreams you can have or different stories that you can tell. But to join an institution likeDateline— I’ve said before — but it really, really is a journalist’s dream job for so many reasons.”One of those reasons isDateline’s ability to tell stories in a unique and uncommon way.“We’re sitting down with people who have been involved in these tragedies for two hours, sometimes three hours at a time,” the Atlanta resident says. “I can’t think of too many other places in journalism where you can do that.”

Blayne Alexander on the set of ‘Dateline.'.NBC News

NBC News

She adds: “To be able to really develop a story, write a story, let so much of our conversation air and breathe during those two hours is something that is rare and it’s such an incredible thing to be able to put together.”Alexander’s rise to the top of the news industry began even before she graduated from Duke University. She spent the summer prior as an intern at NBC News Washington. Most of the work included answering phones, making copies, sending faxes and ordering lunch for the crew. Yet, she was still “learning from the best journalists in the business.”

Blayne Alexander.Katlyne Hill

Katlyne Hill

“Younger me would be very excited. Younger me has always been an NBC News nerd,” Alexander says. “I think that she would certainly say all the time that you were doubting and wondering, ‘What are we doing carrying this camera and being an MMJ and working weekend hours and away from families? Is that going to pay off?’ And the answer is yes.”

In the months leading up to Alexnder’s first official episode on Feb. 28, she’s been able to learn from and connect with herDatelinecolleagues including anchorLester Holt, correspondentsKeith Morrison,Josh Mankiewicz,Andrea Canningand Dennis Murphy. “I could not have asked for a warmer welcome from them,” she says.

Blayne Alexander speaking with a voter.NBC News

“I really try to know as much about our interviewees or characters as I can before I sit down across from them in a chair, because I think that makes for a richer interview,” she says. “I hope that they see that connection. I hope they see that authenticity. And I hope that they see that they’re getting my genuine reaction.”It is no secret thatDatelinecovers heavy topics that can spur lots of emotions. But Alexander views it as an advantage. In Alexander’s Feb. 28 episode, she speaks with the step-father of a young woman who was killed.

Blayne Alexander.NBC News

She says: “When it comes to my family, I have certain non-negotiables. If I’m on the road for a trip, I will make sure that I always Facetime my daughter before bedtime. It’s important that we see each other’s face[s]. Having those things in place [is] very crucial.”As Alexander takes on this new adventure, she looks forward to the growth she can make as a journalist. But first, she has to meet some expectations.

source: people.com