30 Facts About Blayne Alexander

Early Life and Education

Blayne Alexander's journey began in Oklahoma City, where she was born and raised. Her academic path led her to Duke University, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous programs.

1. Blayne Alexander is a proud Oklahoma City native.
2. She graduated from Duke University.
3. At Duke, she was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Career Beginnings

Blayne's career in journalism kicked off in Augusta, Georgia, where she honed her skills as a reporter and anchor.

4. Blayne started her reporting career in November 2009 at WRDW-TV in Augusta, Georgia.
5. She served as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor.
6. Blayne handled her own photography and editing as a multimedia journalist.

Community Involvement and Recognition

Blayne's dedication to her community and her craft quickly earned her recognition and awards.

7. Blayne became involved in the Augusta community, covering various stories.
8. She adopted education as her "beat" and volunteered extensively in Richmond County schools.
9. She emceed events for the Augusta NAACP, Communities in Schools, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and the Richmond County School System.
10. In 2011, Blayne received a Salute to Excellence award from the National Association of Black Journalists for her story "Secrets of the Down Low".

Atlanta Career

Blayne's career took a significant leap when she moved to Atlanta, where she continued to make a name for herself.

11. Blayne moved to Atlanta and spent six years as a reporter and anchor for WXIA-TV, Atlanta's NBC affiliate.
12. She anchored 11Alive Weekend Today on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
13. Blayne covered major national stories, including traveling to Ferguson, MO, and Baltimore to report on significant events.

Major Assignments and Achievements

Blayne's career is marked by her coverage of major events and interviews with notable figures.

14. In 2016, Blayne spent nearly four weeks in Rio de Janeiro, covering the Summer Olympic Games for 11Alive.
15. She covered the Inauguration of President Barack Obama twice, in 2009 and 2013.
16. Blayne interviewed Congressman John Lewis during the grand opening celebration for the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
17. In 2016, she received the Rising Star Award from the Atlanta Press Club.
18. Blayne has been a four-time Emmy Award nominee.

Washington Correspondent and NBC News

Blayne's career continued to flourish as she took on roles with NBC News and Dateline.

19. Before joining NBC News Channel in February 2017, Blayne spent two years as a Washington correspondent.
20. She is currently an Atlanta-based correspondent for NBC News, reporting for NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Today Show, MSNBC, and all NBC News platforms.
21. In October 2024, Blayne was announced as a new correspondent for Dateline.

Community Service and Personal Life

Blayne's commitment to community service and her personal life are equally impressive.

22. Off-screen, Blayne has been a Cool Girls mentor and a volunteer with Fulton County Juvenile Court.
23. She has served as a board member for both the Atlanta Press Club and the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists.
24. Blayne participated in the "Little Black Dress Initiative" with the Junior League of Atlanta.
25. In 2015, she co-founded the Phoenix Leadership Foundation with her husband, James Bailey.
26. Blayne is married to James Bailey, and they have a daughter named Sage Milan Bailey.

Philosophy and Global Reporting

Blayne's passion for storytelling and her global reporting experiences have shaped her career.

27. Blayne’s passion is telling stories and amplifying the voices of those who feel unheard.
28. Her reporting has taken her around the world, from the White House to Wimbledon, Singapore to Melbourne, and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
29. Blayne’s work has been honored by both the Atlanta and National Associations of Black Journalists as well as the Atlanta Press Club.
30. She is active on social media, engaging with her audience and sharing updates about her work. Her Twitter handle is @ReporterBlayne.

Blayne Alexander: A Remarkable Journalist

Blayne Alexander's journey in journalism is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days in Augusta to her current role as an NBC News correspondent, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for storytelling and community service. Her work has taken her around the globe, covering significant events like the Summer Olympics and presidential inaugurations. Blayne's dedication to education, her involvement in community initiatives, and her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices set her apart in the field. With numerous awards and recognitions under her belt, including Emmy nominations and the Rising Star Award from the Atlanta Press Club, Blayne continues to make a significant impact. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose in journalism. As she balances her professional and personal life, Blayne Alexander remains a beacon of excellence and inspiration for aspiring journalists everywhere.