Craig Melvin’s Homecoming to Columbia Featured on NBC’s ‘Today’
South Carolina native Craig Melvin will spotlight the Midlands in a segment airing on Thursday’s edition of the “Today” show. The national morning program previewed the piece on its Wednesday broadcast, with a clip shared on the Facebook page of local NBC affiliate WIS.
A Personal Tour of Columbia
In the video, Melvin stands in the freshly renovated Finlay Park downtown and welcomes viewers:
“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 segment features scenes of local dining, a visit to a barber shop, and an interview with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who recently won re-election in Tuesday’s local election.
From Local Roots to National Spotlight
Melvin’s homecoming segment comes nearly a year after he was named co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, replacing Hoda Kotb. Before ascending to the national stage after 13 years with NBC News, Melvin was well known locally for his work with WIS in Columbia.
He began working at WIS while still a student at Columbia High School and ultimately became the station’s nightly news anchor. Since assuming his national role, Melvin frequently highlights his South Carolina roots and regularly celebrates his hometown.
What Locals Can Expect
Residents of Columbia are eager to see Melvin’s reflections on the city this week and how he connects his past with his current media presence.
Author’s summary: Craig Melvin returns to his Columbia roots in a “Today” show segment, sharing personal stories and spotlighting local life shaped by his upbringing in South Carolina.