This week, Managing Editor Carrie Kreisler presents her top five NBC news correspondents. Next week, look for Executive Editor Ron Petak’s top five reasons to attend the final College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium.

5) Bob Dotson
From what I can tell on the NBC website, Dotson isn’t technically a news correspondent, but I’m putting him in this category because of his work. He reports stories that otherwise likely wouldn’t get told.
Much like the reporting of the staff at the Leader, Dotson relies greatly on suggestions and tips from the public. It is through that relaying of information, fantastic stories are shared. “American Story with Bob Dotson” appears on the “TODAY” show, and I’m fortunate enough to see it once in a while.
Dotson’s voice is so distinct and intriguing. He makes you want to stop what you are doing and give him your full attention. He tells stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things, making a difference in their town, helping neighbors or strangers; he tells stories of young people and old people living the American dream.

4) Brian Williams
He’s now the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News,” but he was previously a news correspondent and still reports on-location for current events.
What I like about Williams is his ability to connect with viewers. He doesn’t merely read the news each night, as it often appears with many news anchors. Instead, you can tell he knows the story, and in turn what to ask other reporters in order to provide the most information possible.
Williams also emits a strong sense of compassion. No matter the story, Williams focuses on the people and how they are affected. He reported from New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit and stayed to cover the aftermath with an up-close and personal look at the devastation.
I grew up watching Tom Brokaw and thought he was the best the television news industry had. Williams, though, has done a great job of filling his shoes.

3) Richard Engel
Now NBC News chief foreign correspondent, Engel has been immersed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has covered the Iraq war since the very beginning and even wrote a book about it.
He has lived in the Middle East for more than 12 years and speaks fluent Arabic, even understanding the different dialects. His vast knowledge of the Middle East and its people is remarkable. Even during the roughest days of the war, Engel put his safety and well being aside many times to report directly from the front lines.
Yes, it is his job, but it is one worth admiring. Several organizations have even given him awards for his coverage.

2) Peter Alexander
I’m sure I had seen him before, but when I watched Alexander in the pool with Shamu at SeaWorld, I knew I liked him.
Alexander is multi-talented. One minute he’s covering a breaking news story and the next he’s interviewing a celebrity. He’s covered tragedy and triumph, politics and even sports. At the same time, you can tell he has an outgoing, energetic personality. He knows when to be serious and when to be lighthearted. I sure would like to meet him someday.

1) Ann Curry
In many ways, I look up to her. In some ways, I can relate to her. Curry is the news anchor of the TODAY show and Dateline NBC.
She has traveled the world covering issues that particularly affect women and children in impoverished and war-torn areas.
She has the fun-loving spirit of Peter Alexander, the international relations knowledge of Richard Engel and the compassion of Brian Williams.
When she sits down for an interview with a prominent world leader, you can tell she is not only listening but understanding and often empathizing. She makes people comfortable around her. She has that motherly, caring disposition.
Curry reported on the earthquake in Haiti and the violence in Sudan. She’s been to Africa and Asia, to the South Pole, Israel and beyond. It always seems to me that when someone is filling in for her on the “TODAY” show, it isn’t because she is on vacation, but instead “on assignment.”
Her work ethic is beyond that of anyone else I can think of on television. The best part is she is one of if not the most adventurous one among her colleagues. I’m sure most of them are making too much money to turn down a request to bungee jump, but Curry also finds time to do charity work, plus raise a family.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS