Craig Melvin Returns to Columbia on NBC's "Today"
South Carolina native Craig Melvin will feature the Midlands in a segment on Thursday’s edition of the national morning show, "Today."
Preview of the Segment
Melvin shared a preview on Wednesday in a clip posted on the Facebook page of local station WIS. Standing in the newly renovated Finlay Park downtown, he says,
“Welcome to my hometown, Columbia, S.C. 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 sort of shaped me, molded me. And of course, there will be food.”
Highlights of the Visit
- Exploring local dining spots
- Visiting a barbershop
- Speaking with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who was recently re-elected in Tuesday’s local election
Melvin's Career and Connection to Columbia
This visit comes almost a year after Melvin was named co-host of NBC’s "Today" show, succeeding Hoda Kotb, after 13 years with NBC News. He is widely recognized in Columbia for his early career at WIS, the city's NBC affiliate, where he started working while still in high school and later became the nightly news anchor.
Maintaining Strong Ties to Home
Though now a national media figure, Melvin often highlights his roots and home state. Locals are eager to hear his reflections on Columbia in this upcoming broadcast.
Author's summary: Craig Melvin returns to his hometown of Columbia, SC, in a "Today" show segment, revisiting his roots and sharing his personal connection to the Midlands community.