Sheinelle Jones: FANTASTIC ADDITION

Been watching Weekend Today for the last few weeks to gauge the new newsreader, Sheinelle Jones, and my goodness, whoever greenlit her addition deserves MAJOR kudos.

Her refreshing, compassionate, very positive yet void of ANY phoniness personality is the purest example of the very much used "breath of fresh air". I could instantly see her vibrant manner immensely counter the "in the job too long" faux-warmth conveyed by Erica Hill and Lester Holt. Bless Dylan Dreyer for offering the charm and warmth that a morning show personality is expected to deliver but Hill and Holt seem determined to keep things cutting, negatively wry and rife with derisive commentary at every turn. Thankfully (as long as they limit the wholly unnecessary "bad weather" field reporting for Dreyer), Sheinelle Jones has entered the picture to reestablish what morning television hosts a meant to be and coupled with Dreyer, it has GREAT potential to give viewers what they deserve.

But honestly, what I've seen of Jones thus far EASILY sets her as a candidate for a permanent weekday spot on Today.

I'm sure, as with any company, NBC(Comcast) has a succession planning model in place for Today that leans heavily on seniority, talent and (cough, cough) in-house politics.(I'm looking at you Matt Lauer) But if those assigned to that planning were smart, they'd fast-track Jones with great effort and haste. I mean, this woman is ready-made for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (booth chair...none of that running up and down the street interviewing the crowd), NBC holiday specials, special Today pieces, etc., etc. She's clearly a rare talent, has inviting but spectacular good looks, well above average intelligence and is quick-witted (not in a mean way).

I know I'm on to something given the icy reception Erica Hill continues to let come forth towards Jones as the weeks go by despite what initially seemed best efforts but now looks willful. I think she'd better look to her own abilities, shirk the Lauer-like mentality (if it's forming) and recall her days as an underling to CNN's Robing Meade. Meade seemed none too pleased on-air with Hill's arrival and it ABUNDANTLY came through. Hill is falling into the same unflattering space but Jones possesses FAR too many glowing attributes that would only highlight Hill's sleights, remarks, body language and tone with their close proximity.

Again, kudos for those responsible for Jones' addition and here's hoping that she finds her way to Today by this time next year.