Craig Melvin's Homecoming to Columbia on NBC’s ‘Today’
South Carolina native Craig Melvin will showcase the Midlands in a segment airing Thursday on the national morning program, the Today show. He previewed the feature in a clip shared by local station WIS on Facebook.
“Welcome to my hometown, Columbia, S.C.,” Melvin says while standing in the newly renovated Finlay Park downtown. “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.”
Throughout the segment, Melvin visits local restaurants, a barber shop, and talks with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who recently won re-election in Tuesday’s local election.
Career Background and Local Ties
Melvin’s visit to Columbia happens nearly a year after he was named co-host of NBC’s Today show, taking over for Hoda Kotb. His promotion followed 13 years with NBC News. Many locals remember him from his time at WIS, Columbia’s NBC affiliate, where he began working as a high school student and eventually anchored the nightly news.
Emphasizing Roots
Since moving to national media, Melvin has consistently highlighted his South Carolina roots. The upcoming segment promises insights into his connection to Columbia and his reflections on the city that shaped him.
Residents and viewers alike will look forward to how Melvin portrays his hometown on this national platform.
Author's summary: Craig Melvin returns to his Columbia roots, sharing memories and local highlights on NBC’s Today, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the city that shaped him.