Craig Melvin Begins New Chapter as Co-Anchor of Today Show

Craig Melvin, a proud alum of WIS and a notable figure from Columbia, South Carolina, officially takes on the role of co-anchor for NBC's Today Show on January 13, 2025, succeeding Hoda Kotb. This marks a significant milestone in Melvin's career and a historic moment for South Carolina as its university band will perform live on this occasion.

A Journey Through Media

Having been a part of the NBC family for nearly 14 years, Craig Melvin has held various influential positions throughout his career. Before joining the ranks of the Today show, he served as an evening news anchor at WIS and later transitioned to several roles at NBC, including stints at WRC and MSNBC. Melvin's diverse background has equipped him with the skills to cover everything from presidential elections to significant breaking news events.

His time on the Today show began in August 2018, allowing viewers to become familiar with his engaging personality as he co-hosted the third hour alongside notable anchors like Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. Now, as he prepares for his new role, excitement buzzes among fans and colleagues alike.

Transitioning with Style

In the lead-up to this significant career shift, Melvin took to social media to showcase his new look, sporting a fresh haircut that was well-received by fans and even praised by co-host Al Roker. The transition from Hoda Kotb’s departure on January 10 to Melvin’s official start a few days later underscores the emotional impact of this change on the show’s dynamics.

Melvin's wife, Lindsay Czarniak, expressed her pride and support when he was announced as Hoda's successor, highlighting the couple’s deep-rooted connection and their shared journey in the industry. Czarniak's heartfelt message on social media reflects the emotional weight of this new chapter in Melvin's career, and she isn’t the only one celebrating.

Reflecting on His Career

While many may think of Melvin's tenure with the Today show as starting in 2018, his journey in broadcasting spans far longer. Before joining NBC, he laid the groundwork for his career at WIS in Columbia during the 1990s, where he started as an Our Generation Reporter straight out of high school. Fast forwarding to today, Melvin has proven himself to be a staple in daytime television, amassing a multitude of experiences that add depth to his reporting and anchoring.

Behind the Scenes at Today

As Melvin gears up for his first day, WIS’ own Judi Gatson is slated to provide behind-the-scenes coverage, capturing the excitement and energy of this significant event. Fans can expect to see a blend of emotions as the Today Show family embraces this change, celebrating both Melvin's achievements and Hoda's contributions.

Future Aspirations

With his new role as co-anchor, Craig Melvin hopes to bring fresh insights and perspectives to the 7 a.m. time slot alongside Savannah Guthrie. His enthusiasm and gratitude for this opportunity shine through in his statements, demonstrating his passion for journalism and connecting with audiences. Melvin remarked, "I am beyond excited and grateful... this is the latest in a long line of blessings."

As fans anticipate Melvin's contributions to the Today show, they can look forward to not only his professional expertise but also the heartwarming stories and relatable moments that have characterized his broadcasting career. Here’s to a promising future for Craig Melvin on Today!