Kind of startling to find out that newsman Stone Phillips, who is the cornerstone of NBC’s Dateline, was canned due to budget cuts. You wouldn’t think that a big name like Phillips would be one they would cut loose, but NBC opted not to extend his contract after it expires in June. No replacement has been named, so that should really save the net some money. Instead, Ann Curry, who currently co-anchors Dateline NBC, will go it solo, with other NBC reporters pitching in to present their respective new pieces. Phillips released a statement, saying, “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.” What a trooper, huh? Pity they’re letting him go too—with a name like ‘Stone,’ he’s born to do the news.