Craig Melvin Returns Home to Columbia for NBC’s “Today” Segment
South Carolina native Craig Melvin, now an anchor on NBC’s “Today” show, returned to his hometown of Columbia to film a special segment about the Midlands. The feature aired on Thursday’s edition of the morning show.
Celebrating His Roots
A preview of the piece appeared Wednesday on the Facebook page of local station WIS, Melvin’s former employer. In the clip, he stands at the newly renovated Finlay Park, sharing his excitement for revisiting his past.
“Welcome to my hometown, Columbia, S.C.,” Melvin says. “Join me for a little trip down memory lane. I’m going to bring you back here to my childhood with my kid brother, introduce you to some of my favorite people and places that really shaped me, molded me. And of course, there will be food.”
Exploring Columbia’s Charm
The segment features Melvin dining at local restaurants, stopping by a barber shop, and talking with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who recently won re-election. The scenes showcase the people and places that defined Melvin’s early life.
Career Path and Legacy
Melvin’s visit comes nearly a year after he was promoted to co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, succeeding Hoda Kotb. His career with NBC News spans over a decade, but his roots trace back to WIS in Columbia, where he started while still in high school and later became the evening news anchor.
Throughout his national career, Melvin has frequently celebrated his home state and used his platform to highlight South Carolina and its communities.
Author’s Summary
Craig Melvin revisits Columbia for an NBC “Today” segment, reconnecting with his hometown’s people, memories, and culture while honoring the place that launched his broadcasting journey.