ABOUT INSIDE DATELINE

Inside Dateline is your Web line into Studio 3B, providing you with a personal behind-the-scenes look at how we bring you our stories.

Whether it's a gripping crime tale, a hidden camera investigation, or a celebrity newsmaker profile -- Dateline correspondents and producers spend days, months, and sometimes even years researching and reporting the story. Learn more about what goes on inside our investigations, and find out more about some of the people we've met.

Ann Curry hosts Dateline. Dateline's producers, correspondents and host post here often. Previews to upcoming stories, more information on our reports, and follow-ups can be found on this blog.



Stone Phillips to leave Dateline NBC

Posted: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 6:40 PM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under:

Statement from Steve Capus, President, NBC News
"On behalf of Dateline, and all of us at NBC News, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to Stone for all he has contributed to NBC News during his tenure here. His work on Dateline over the past 15 years has been remarkable, as evidenced by the unprecedented awards Stone and the program have won, including 39 Emmys and four Peabodys. He is a first rate journalist and a dedicated professional whose legacy here will live on with the program he established and cares so much about."

Statement from Stone Phillips
"It's been a wonderful 15 years. I'm profoundly appreciative of the many friends and colleagues, past and present, who have been a part of the Dateline family. This is a great news division with a bright future. I wish the people of NBC News all the best."

Statement from David Corvo, Executive Producer, Dateline
"Viewers know Stone as a great reporter and anchor. 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."

Click here to read Stone's bio, in his own words (including of some photos from him at work). Click here for Stone's official bio, including his latest assignments and achievements. Share your messages  for Stone, below.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

No dateline for me without Stone Phillips. He is a real gentelman and a wonderful reporter from now on I watch abc news. They say when one door closes another opens I hope so for Mr Phillips. Thanks for all your wonderful stories and God Bless!

Shelly G Bloomfield Connecticut (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:11 PM)

What is NBC thinking? That is one of my favorite shows but only because of Mr. Phillips. His voice is Dateline. Good Luck to you Mr. Phillips. I will watch wherever you turn up.

Cyndi V.; Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:13 PM)

Stone Phillips is one of the most talented, trustworthy and competent newsmen on television. I always watch Dateline because he is on the show. His entire career has been outstanding. This is a huge loss to the viewing public.

Gracella Simmons (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:39 PM)

Stone Phillips has proven himself as an excellent reporter for many years. He is also very relaxed and personable in his presentation. NBC seems to making a huge mistake!!!

Deborah Mullins, Manakin Sabot, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:47 PM)

I could not believe it when I was told today that Dateline is dropping STONE PHILLIPS. What a sad day for me. He was/is the only reason I watch Dateline. He is one of the few reoporters you can trust. I will difinity miss him. I may boycott Dateline now, I am that upset.

Gloria C. McClain (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:08 PM)

Thank you Stone for the years you have shared with us, through the laughter and the tears... May you and yours be Blessed Mightly by God! Amen!

L ELLIOTT (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:09 PM)

You are letting Stone Phillips go? You just lost me as a viewer. Mr. Phillips is a gentleman and a professional in every sense. NBC is making a big mistake!!

Kay White, Lyndhurst, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:13 PM)

Shocked does not even begin to describe my feelings toward this decision. It will be difficult not seeing that familiar face. Im only 24 and remember watching him while growing up. I dont think I will be tuning in anymore. As rare as it is to find quality people... I think a mistake was made.

Rina, Austin, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:25 PM)

I am so disappointed to think of watching Dateline and Stone Phillips not being the host/leader of it. He is such an integral, trusted, respectable, honourable journalist - this will be another great show that ends up going down the tubes. Please reconsider. Thank you Stone for all your great years.

Melinda Williams, Barrie, Ontario, Canada (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:36 PM)

This is a sad day in the history of network T.V. ! NBC has made a huge mistake letting Stone go. He is a one of a kind new man. Dateline will never be the same without him, NBC won't be the same either.

Suzanne Shermer (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:51 PM)

I have one question -- WHY???? Stone Phillips is a great journalist and as far as I'm concerned Dateline really started it all in magazine programing and reporting. It was not just the everyday news, it was a little bit of everything that held your interest and, you better believe, Stone Phillips was a very large part of this and he will be sorely missed. The best to you Mr. Phillips and my family will watch for you in the future.

Sandra Frayser, Southaven, Ms. (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:53 PM)

Are you kidding me? Stone Phillips IS Dateline. NBC you are in last place, what are you thinking by letting this great correspondent go???? Keep Stone. And give him a huge raise.

Michelle Hetlinger, Encinitas, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:54 PM)

Stone Phillips is the reason most of us watch Dateline. I will be tuning in to wherever he goes. You cannot replace a fine journalist like Stone. You should do whatever it takes to keep him.

Rita Magee, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:05 PM)

Stone, if you read this, I am sorry to hear such a fine journalist is being let go b/c of money. NBC, First Katie, now Stone--what terrible decisions someone has made!

Sharon Knoxville, TN (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:06 PM)

whats the deal NBC? Why let Stone go?

TG, Trumbull CT (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:12 PM)

A class act who will be missed. Always professional, with a voice made for television. Those of you deriding NBC should consider Mr. Stone's perspective. Maybe he would like to try his hand at something new. And if he does, I'm sure it will be with class and professionalism.

Jeremy Johnson, Huntsville, Arkansas (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:01 PM)

NBC is making a huge mistake. Don't get me wrong I like Ann Curry, but Stone was excellent. I really enjoyed watching him. I hate to see him go -- but I guarntee he will be more successful in the future than with NBC.

Julie Bullington, Sycamore, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:07 PM)

Wow. What a bummer. I get so depressed not being able to trust what you read, hear, eat, see from so many sources. But I never felt that way about Mr. Phillips or his work. Thank You, Mr Phillips for sharing your integrity and your talent. You will do well in your next endeavor, because you are good!

Mary Garcia, Denver, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:13 PM)

I will miss him very much. every one has said what I'm thinking.

Theresa Lee East Ridge TN 37412 (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:24 PM)

I will greatly miss Stone Phillips. He was and is the dateline show.. Thank You Mr. Phillips for the wonderful time I was able to share with you. May God Bless You always. A Sad Viewer

Rebecca Michaeli, Pasadena, California (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:31 PM)

You lost a loyal NBC Dateline and NBC viewer, PERIOD!

Pam, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:33 PM)

I think this is a mistake of enormous magnitude that Stone Phillips' contract is not being renewed for cost-cutting reasons. One may save money by doing this, but the person that follows in his footsteps may not do the same job, may not have the same integrity. Is this decision really worth it?

Kathy - Anaheim CA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:49 PM)

NBC is nuts!!!!!! Stone Phillips is the reason that people watch Dateline. Ann Curry is good, but Phillips IS Dateline. I guess NBC will be losing a ton of viewers.

Michele, FL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:36 PM)

Has anyone thought that this may be Stone's choice--to leave??? 15 yrs is a long time in one place and everyone gets bored and tired eventually and wants to either retire or try new and different things!!

Vern--Phoenix, AZ (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:38 PM)

Dateline won't be the same without Stone Phillips!

Yvonne Chumbrek, Encino, California (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:51 PM)

How could you have let Stone Phillips go? He is the very best journalist on television today. I will miss him on Dateline - it won't be the same and I will look for him elsewhere.

Janice Kettle, Potomac, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:13 PM)

Dear Phillip I must say after I read your departure from Dateline, I felt sad! It was Jane, Tom, and you! Allow me to say this, you are a great, great professional new man! Good lucky in life where ever it takes you! And to NBC, Dateline 'll not be the same! Me, and my family 'll be missing you!!!

The Sad (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:23 PM)

Dateline is my favorite show because of Stone Philips. Now that he is leaving, I will not have a reason to watch it, because the other journalists dont narrate the stories as well as Stone does. Im deeply saddened by this news.

Emily Jensen, Charleston, Wv (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:24 PM)

Stone Phillips and Dateline have been a show I always watch. I wish you well and I'm sure many people will be linig up to sign you. Where ever you go I'll be there to watch. Looks like CBS and ABC may have a chance to more up now. Best of luck.

Bob, East Peoria (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:29 PM)

Stone, of course you are bombarded with "you can't leave, huge mistake!" But that's us being selfish - you need to take care of YOU. Whatgever the reason, we all wish you the best, and just know that all these whiny messages mean that we really loved watching you, and sad to see you go. Rye PS - You can't leave! Huge mistake :)

Rye Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:32 PM)

Stone Phillips has demonstrated the perfect balance of journalist and trusted advisor. His voice delivered clear and concise information graciously and effortlessly. Stone IS Dateline, and will truly be missed. I look foward to tuning into his next venture as I am certain we will see him again. They should have broke the bank for Stone!

Cindy Carter, Mission Viejo, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:44 PM)

I can't believe this!!!! I will no longer watch this show without him...you need to get him back.....I use to love Dateline...w/o him..I will have to change the channel.

Rachel, Mount Prospect, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:57 PM)

Our family will miss Stone Phillips on Dateline. Please let us know where he is going so we can go along.

L. Spalding, Gainesville, Florida (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 5:40 AM)

I could not believe it when I heard that Stone Philips was being let go from dateline I think that this will be a huge loss for them. Best of luck Stone I am sure that you will not be unemployed for too long

Louise Carter, Louisbourg,NS (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:09 AM)

I will miss Stone Phillips. I've heard that NBC is having money problems but why would they dismiss their Greatest assets, it is beyound me, cut back some where else. Thank you Mr. Phillips for being apart of our lives all these years. We will be looking for you. God Bless and keep you.

Liz Brancato Clearwater, Fla. (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:22 AM)

Thank you, Stone Phillips, for the past 15 years. My wife and I watch Dateline, and after we talked about your leaving, we came to the conclusion that you were the main reason we watched the program. We will contintue to follow your career if you will keep us posted as to where you work. Thanks again.

Charles & Diane Teel, Savannah, Georgia (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 8:46 AM)

Hi.. Im from San Juan, Puerto Rico.. WOW!! you will be mist Mr. Stone Phillip.. but dont be sadden some one out there will be plessed with your arrival.. GOD bless. Mrs. Garcia.

Rosa Enid.. (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:45 AM)

Well... another brilliant idea from the big wigs at NBC...no reason to watch the show anymore... To you,Mr. Stone Phillips, best of luck, God be with you and we will miss you a lot! Ana and Richard Nimitz Hill, Guam

Ana Reber, Nimitz Hill, Gu (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:45 AM)

Good Luck Stone. We enjoyed meeting you at our home when you came to do the story in New Orleans. You are the most warm, kind person we've ever met. We still show the picture we took with you to people that visit. Thank you for being there for us.

Denise & Bruce Parent, New Orleans, LA (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:46 AM)

Stone you will be missed greatly..I can't beleive that you will no longer be on Dateline. I want To wish you the best of luck.

Julianne, Norwalk,Ca (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:11 AM)

What a bummer!! Stone Phillips was the best thing Dateline had going; you can't put a price on that. He IS dateline; without him, the heart of the program is gone. Big mistake, NBC!!

Commerce, Georgia (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:21 AM)

geez. he was one of the only reasons i watched. had a great voice and personality. KEEP HIM!!

h.s (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:21 AM)

Stone Phillips is the main reason I began watching Dateline! I've watched him for years and will truly miss his journalistic talent and savvy. He is the best at what he does in my opinion and as far as I'm concerned, NBC has made a tragic error in judgement by letting him go. I'm truly saddened and know he will be missed by millions. I wish him the best but I know he'll soar high no matter what he does or where he goes.

Linda, Statesville, NC (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:36 AM)

I think this is a great loss for Dateline, as Mr Phillips has been doing excellent job and it is quite unimaginable how Dateline will be without him.

Charles, SLU (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:07 PM)

Stone Phillips is more that anchor, because i saw as a english teacher, as inmigrant i learn from him to undestand a perfect english. Nobody narred stories like the way he does. I'm sure most of the people are going to missing him. I wish you good luck.

LILIANA PAREDES, NYC, NEW YORK (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:19 PM)

I just love Stone Philips on Dateline. He has always been professional and fair. He is perfect for Dateline. If he is wanting to leave, that is one thing, however, if it is the network's idea - think again. He adds so much to the show. I wish him the very best and God's blessings!

Paulette, Bethany, OK (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:14 PM)

I think Stone would be great on 60 Minutes. I hope CBS is smart enough to hire him for that show quickly.

Kris, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:15 PM)

The show will not be the same without Stone Phillips, he IS the show, if you are a professional, like Stone, then you should be paid for it. He says it like he sees it. You`ll be sorry ! Miss Saddened. Montreal Quebec, Canada

Miss Saddened, Montreal Quebec, Canada (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:26 PM)

I am totally shocked. He has more grace, dignity and compassion than any journalist out there today. He made Dateline. I will no longer tune in.

Barbara Allison, Annapolis, Maryland (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 3:36 PM)

STONE IS DATELINE!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!

BETTY LANGER (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 3:44 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=200003