Craig Melvin Returns to Columbia for NBC's "Today" Show Segment
South Carolina native Craig Melvin will feature the Midlands in a segment airing Thursday on NBC's Today show. The journalist previewed his hometown visit during Wednesday’s broadcast, shared on WIS’s Facebook page.
“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.”
The video shows Melvin standing in the recently renovated Finlay Park downtown as he narrates. The segment includes visits to local restaurants, a barber shop, and a conversation with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who was re-elected in Tuesday’s local election.
Career Highlights and Columbia Roots
- Melvin’s visit marks nearly a year since he became co-host of NBC’s Today show, succeeding Hoda Kotb after 13 years at NBC News.
- He originally gained local recognition while working at WIS, Columbia’s NBC affiliate, starting during his time at Columbia High School and later anchoring the nightly news.
- Despite his national profile, Melvin often emphasizes his upbringing and ties to South Carolina in his broadcasts.
Local viewers will be eager to see Melvin’s current perspective on Columbia through this special feature.
Author's summary: Craig Melvin celebrates his South Carolina roots in a Today show segment, revisiting Columbia’s landmarks and highlighting community leaders and local culture.