DATELINE’s Lester Holt on Meek Mill’s Post-Release Interview

On Sunday’s episode of DATELINE, NBC News’ Lester Holt speaks with rapper Meek Mill, a day after the latter’s release from prison. (Mill was incarcerated due to a probation violation.)

But Holt’s inspiration for the hour of DATELINE came from an unlikely place: Jay-Z. “I didn’t know a lot about Meek Mill’s story…but when Jay-Z penned an op-ed in the New York Times last fall, that’s was when I first realized the depth of his story and what he represented,” Holt told reporters in the video below.

Holt spoke to Mill in prison, via telephone, and the veteran reporter was impressed. NBC News’ cameras were there when Mill was released, and captured  “magical moment,” Holt previewed. And when it came time for the actual sit-down interview, “I found him to be a very thoughtful guy…he understands the weight of responsibility [he can have].”

Check out the video for more from Holt on his experience with Mill. Read more

NBC Announces 2015-2016 Schedule

NBC is going drama/reality-heavy for its fall 2015 lineup, with only one hour of comedy scheduled in the entire week.

“We’re attacking the new season with the same programming strategy that successfully turned NBC around — a slate of provocative and innovative series and events that cut through the clutter and will continue to build on our momentum,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment in a statement. “We have several powerful new dramas and attention-getting new comedies, including the return of ‘Undateable,’ which will be broadcast live every week next season. Live programming is one more way to make a show undeniable.”

“We can’t wait for the fall season and the chance to roll out our lineup of distinctive, innovative new dramas and comedies, scheduled with the kind of lead-in support that will give each of our new shows the optimum chance to find their audiences and deliver on their outstanding potential,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. “The fall lineup gives you only half the story. We truly program on a 52-week basis and are putting virtually the same amount of programming muscle behind our mid-season lineup, with some of the most high-profile concepts and biggest names on television joining the schedule starting at midseason and extending throughout the remainder of the broadcast year.”

“Unscripted programming has played a key role in NBC’s two consecutive season-long wins, from ‘The Voice’ to ‘America’s Got Talent’ to ‘American Ninja Warrior,’” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment. “We’re excited to build on that momentum with some of the most inventive breakthrough alternative concepts coming in the new season, including ‘First Dates,’ ‘Little Big Shots’ and ‘Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris,’ featuring one of America’s most phenomenal performing talents hosting the U.S. adaptation of a smash-hit British series.”

Here’s the full NBC fall schedule, which includes BLINDSPOT getting the post-VOICE Monday slot, and HEROES REBORN kicking off Thursdays… Read more