TODAY Host Craig Melvin Revisits Columbia for Hometown Segment
Craig Melvin, a Wofford College graduate and co-anchor of NBC's TODAY, recently returned to Columbia to film a special hometown tour segment. The episode will air this week and highlight Melvin’s ventures around the Midlands region.
Career and Role on TODAY
Nearly a year ago, Melvin took over Hoda Kotb's role on TODAY. He described his position not just as a host but as a representative of the show's community. He told the Post & Courier Free Times:
"You don't just host the show, you're not just one of the pieces of the show. You're kind of the mayor of this small town, and the name of the town is 'TODAY.'"
Connection to Columbia
Melvin shared with the Columbia newspaper that living away from his hometown has deepened his appreciation for it. He said,
"I love it more now that I have moved away. I’ve traveled the world, I've seen a lot, but man, Columbia’s it."
Early Life and Career Beginnings
According to previous Greenville News reports, Melvin grew up in Columbia and graduated from Columbia High School. His broadcasting career started at WIS-TV in Columbia, where he worked while still in high school.
The Post & Courier Free Times noted:
"It is here that he learned what it means to be a journalist. It is here that he spent nearly 36 hours on the streets, sleeping in Finlay Park, for a story highlighting people experiencing homelessness."
Melvin majored in government at Wofford College in Spartanburg, graduating in 2001.
What to Expect in the Segment
- Insight into Melvin's connection to his hometown
- Highlights of Columbia and the Midlands
- Personal stories from Melvin’s early career and experiences
The segment offers a meaningful look at how Melvin balances his national career with his local roots.
Author’s summary: Craig Melvin returns to Columbia for an upcoming TODAY segment, reflecting on his journey from hometown beginnings to national journalism acclaim and his deepened love for Columbia.