Blayne Alexander Joins “Dateline” as Correspondent After Maternity Leave

NBC News correspondent Blayne Alexander has officially returned from maternity leave to join “Dateline,” the network’s long-standing true crime program, as its newest correspondent. The announcement was made live during the “TODAY” show on October 8, 2024, where Alexander expressed her enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing her long-time admiration for “Dateline.” “This is quite a way to come back from maternity leave, first day back after 4 1/2 months,” Alexander commented during the broadcast. “I could not be more excited to join this team.”

Alexander was welcomed by “Dateline” veterans Keith Morrison, Andrea Canning, and Josh Mankiewicz, who shared throwback footage from a notable Peabody award-winning episode featuring Hoda Kotb. The footage highlighted Hoda’s interview with a teacher, showcasing the show’s rich history and quality journalism.

Returning to “Dateline” after her maternity leave, Alexander joins a seasoned group of correspondents, including Lester Holt, Andrea Canning, Keith Morrison, Josh Mankiewicz, and Dennis Murphy. The show’s reputation as the most-watched news magazine and true crime franchise on television is well established, with more than 128.1 million viewers, as reported by Nielsen ratings.

“Blayne Alexander is an outstanding journalist who brings depth and perspective to every story she tells,” stated Liz Cole, senior executive producer, and Paul Ryan, executive producer of “Dateline,” in an official statement. “We’re thrilled to officially welcome her to the ‘Dateline’ family.”

Alexander’s career with NBC began in 2017 as a Washington correspondent for NBC News Channel, later transitioning to an Atlanta-based role in 2019. During her tenure, she has reported on significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 U.S. elections, and racial injustice protests that year.

A native of Oklahoma City, Alexander graduated from Duke University and initially worked at two local Georgia news stations. Living in Atlanta with her husband, James Bailey, and their two daughters, Sage Milan and Skylar Alexander, she embraces the new professional challenge while balancing family life.

Alexander expressed her excitement to delve into the intensive storytelling format of “Dateline,” contrasting it with typical news reporting constraints. She noted the program allows for longer interviews, fostering deeper connections with interviewees. “When we’re putting these stories together, you sit for interviews that span two or three hours and really form a relationship with a person sitting across from you,” she explained.

Assembling narratives that incorporate real participants such as law enforcement, witnesses, and victim family members, “Dateline” refrains from using reenactments, a distinction that attracted Alexander to the program. Despite a highly competitive landscape, as true crime interest surges across various media, “Dateline” remains a dominant force with a pronounced viewership in both television and podcast formats.

This addition to the correspondent lineup is not a replacement for any current team members but rather an enhancement, bringing new perspectives to the iconic series. “It’s more trying to be additive and lend a new perspective,” said Paul Ryan, emphasizing the program’s non-reliance on dramatized stories and its commitment to journalism.