TV Hot Spot: News

Stone Rolling Away from 'Dateline'

Post by: Sal

Stone Phillips, a fixture on NBC's newsmagazine "Dateline," won't be back with the show after his contract runs out next month.

The move comes as part of a cost-saving measure at the network, several news outlets report, as Phillips' job as co-anchor of the broadcast won't be filled. Instead, "Today" news anchor Ann Curry will become the main host of the prime-time program, with correspondents possibly joining her at times.

"It's been a wonderful 15 years," Phillips says in a statement. "I'm profoundly appreciative of the many friends and colleagues, past and present, who have been a part of the 'Dateline' family."

The 52-year-old Phillips has been with "Dateline" from its beginnings in 1992, the year he joined NBC News. Prior to that he was a correspondent for ABC's "World News Tonight" and "20/20."

His departure, which will come when his contract expires at the end of June, is part of a wider cost-cutting initiative at NBC News. "Nightly News" weekend anchor John Siegenthaler was recently let go as part of the same effort; he's being replaced by Lester Holt, who also co-anchors the weekend editions of "Today."

"Viewers know Stone as a great reporter and anchor," "Dateline" executive producer David Corvo says. "But his co-workers also know him as a loyal leader and patient mentor. At 'Dateline,' we'll miss the passion he brought to his work, and will do our best to live up to the standard he has set."


Take Care,

Sal