NBC’s ‘Dateline’ hitting the road for a live true crime show — and maybe a new revenue stream

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The victims may be dead, but NBC’s “Dateline” is going live.

On Tuesday, it was revealed by NBC News that the ensemble of their well-known, lengthy true crime news program will unite on stage at The Pinnacle, a fresh music venue in Nashville, on September 28th.

Fans with tickets can expect to engage with journalists like Josh Mankiewicz, Blayne Alexander, Keith Morrison, Dennis Murphy, Andrea Canning, and anchor Lester Holt in panel debates and question-and-answer sessions. Additionally, there will be criminal justice professionals available for live stage presentations.

The upcoming “Dateline” session in Nashville – marking its 3,000th episode since 1992 – is planned as a trial run, suggests Liz Cole, the senior executive producer of “Datline.” If attendance is high, it could pave the way for more events and potentially generate extra income for the show. Ticket prices have yet to be announced; they’ll be available starting August 5th. (NBC News hasn’t disclosed ticket pricing details.)

Cole mentioned during an interview that as the anniversary approached, it was such a significant milestone, we decided to make it extraordinary. We found it a perfect opportunity to try new approaches and interact directly with our ‘Dateline’ audience in person.

The viewership of TV news is decreasing as viewers shift from scheduled viewing to on-the-spot streaming. However, broadcast presenters – be it in politics or true crime – still retain a loyal fanbase who are ready to shell out money for an exclusive encounter with them.

Live event earnings for news shows may be restricted due to the fact that journalists and hosts often spend time reporting on current events or preparing evening broadcasts, which makes it difficult to schedule extended tours. (Our “Dateline” reporters are frequently traveling for their assignments.)

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must say it’s truly remarkable to gather everyone together simultaneously. Such an occasion is rarely seen outside of our annual group photo during pre-production or the opening day of a fresh cinematic season.

To boost their influence past their daily viewership, networks featuring popular franchises are exploring methods. Every additional effort counts. For instance, “Dateline” has been extending its audience by launching podcasts – one will even offer an audio version of the Nashville show – that appeal to a younger demographic who don’t frequently watch on television. Podcast adaptations of “Dateline” episodes often appear in Apple’s ranking charts.

But live events can help create a deeper connection with viewers, as other outlets have discovered.

Hollywood Inc.

Amongst the CBS team, there was considerable frustration over the $16-million settlement that seemed like a concession to Trump, but this feeling was somewhat muted by a stark acknowledgment: The situation could have been even more unfavorable.

Last year, MSNBC, now set to join the separate entity, Versant (a Comcast spin-off), managed to sell tickets for a 4,000-person event at a venue in Brooklyn, marking their inaugural “MSNBC Live” assembly.

MSNBC Live 25″ will be back in October, offering an evening session at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York’s Manhattan Center for $1,086.05. This price grants you a seat in the orchestra section and access to a VIP dinner event featuring Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, and Stephanie Ruhle interacting with distinguished guests.

Every year, the more conservative-oriented Fox News network recognizes its dedicated viewers through the Patriot Awards ceremony. This event highlights Sean Hannity and other hosts lauding individuals who exhibit extraordinary acts of bravery and dedication to their communities, embodying the spirit of patriotism.

Each year since its debut in 2019, the event, which is broadcast on Fox Nation, has been fully booked. Last autumn, this program celebrated President Trump at the 2,242-seat Tilles Center located on Long Island, NY. The maximum ticket price for this event was set at $669.

In March, Chris Cuomo from NewsNation teamed up with ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith and ex-Fox News personality Bill O’Reilly at an event titled “Three Americans Live.” These three often engage in debates on Cuomo’s nightly show that airs on the Nexstar-owned news network. However, no additional events have been scheduled following their single appearance in Westbury, New York.

It’s clear that Cole has witnessed the ability of the “Dateline” team to pull in a significant audience by themselves. Indeed, when these correspondents attend CrimeCon, an annual event for dedicated true crime enthusiasts, they are undoubtedly the main draw.

A significant number of enthusiasts travel several hours from various parts of the country to attend the event happening in Denver towards the end of the year. Unfortunately, all the premium VIP tickets priced at $1,800 have already been sold out. The dress code for this occasion is “respectful casual” with an intention to avoid costumes or cosplay outfits.

Mankiewicz expressed his appreciation for the viewers since they often ask questions and make observations that catch him off guard, a phenomenon he encounters annually at CrimeCon. He also notices this frequently at U.S. airports, and anticipates experiencing it again in Nashville.

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2025-07-29 16:01