Read an NBC News statement on 'America Now'

NBC News is proud of Dateline's recent hour about Detroit, "America Now: City of Heartbreak and Hope," reported on by Detroit-area native Chris Hansen. We believe our broadcast fairly represented the current situation in Detroit while highlighting positive efforts and the inspirational stories of those in the community, and as the Detroit News said is "...a gritty, honest examination of Detroit and its problems punctuated with uplifting examples of hope and faith." We want to thank Rev. Horace Sheffield III and his daughter Mary Sheffield for coming to New York for what we viewed as a very productive conversation. The Sheffields had several comments and suggestions that we are taking into consideration and we will keep the lines of communication open with them going forward. From Cordette Grantling to Police Chief Warren Evans, to Mayor Dave Bing and Detroit Public School Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb, this report included great stories of hope amidst despair. Beginning at a preview screening we hosted in Detroit, attended by community leaders, members of the media, representatives of the Mayor's office, and the individuals highlighted in the hour; to the tremendous amount of viewer mail after it aired -- the response we received was overwhelmingly positive with much of the feedback saying how inspirational the characters are. A lot of thought and care goes into producing an hour as personal and important as this one. The Sheffields told us some in the community wished the hour had more historical context, and more success stories. We spent ten months reporting this story, and we will continue our reporting — seeking input from a wide range of sources.