Talking Dateline: Dateline Confidential
- Jan 7, 2026
- 22:48
- Full Episode
<p>At our in-person Dateline LIVE event in Nashville last fall, Lester Holt, Blayne Alexander, Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Keith Morrison, and Dennis Murphy took the stage for a Q&A hosted by actress and avid Dateline viewer Holly Robinson Peete. Joined by A Date With Dateline podcast hosts Kimberly Arnold and Katie Mitchell, the discussion focused on how Dateline stories are developed, how correspondents prepare for interviews, and what happens behind the scenes. Take a listen to learn which correspondent Josh would call from jail, what Lester never travels without, and why Keith’s voice is exactly the same in real life as it is on the show. Still have questions? DM us a video on social @DatelineNBC or leave a voicemail at (212) 413-5252. Your question may be featured in an upcoming episode.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>
Brief Summary
Dateline correspondents discuss story sourcing, emotional connections, and memorable experiences during a live event in Nashville.
Key points
- Dateline Confidential. The Dateline team reveals how they find and develop their stories.
- The Secret Sauce of Dateline. Blaine discusses the unique connection Dateline has with families.
- The Million Dollar Question. The audience asks how Dateline avoids sensationalism.
- Incredible Evening. A night filled with laughter and camaraderie, making memories with friends.
Episode highlights
- Dateline ConfidentialThe Dateline team reveals how they find and develop their stories.“We start making calls as soon as we hear about things.”2:36Jan 7, 2026
- The Secret Sauce of DatelineBlaine discusses the unique connection Dateline has with families.“It's about the gifts they left, the people they left behind.”3:38Jan 7, 2026
- The Million Dollar QuestionThe audience asks how Dateline avoids sensationalism.“We want to do the best we possibly can.”21:40Jan 7, 2026
- Incredible EveningA night filled with laughter and camaraderie, making memories with friends.“This has been an absolutely incredible evening.”22:10Jan 7, 2026






