Craig Melvin is an American broadcast journalist and anchor at NBC News and MSNBC.
He has been a part of NBC since 2011, and recently became the co-anchor of the “Today” show alongside Savannah Guthrie, replacing Hoda Kotb.
Melvin previously hosted the Today Third Hour and served as a fill-in anchor for Today and NBC Nightly News.
Parents
Craig’s parents are Lawrence Melvin and Betty Jo Melvin.
His father, Lawrence, has a complex past, having struggled with alcoholism and been absent during much of Craig’s childhood.
However, he has since overcome his struggles and is now a devoted grandfather, known affectionately as PopPop to Craig’s children.
Betty Jo, Craig’s mother, played a pivotal role in raising him and his brother, often taking on both parental roles.
She is highly educated and worked hard to ensure her sons had a stable upbringing.
Both parents recently surprised Craig on his first day as a Today co-anchor, leading to an emotional moment.
Career
Melvin’s career in journalism began early, with his first role as an Our Generation Reporter at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1995 to 1997.
This position allowed him to cover stories relevant to younger audiences, laying the groundwork for his future in journalism.
He progressed to become a news photographer and producer before anchoring weekend news programs at WIS-TV.
This experience helped him develop a broad range of skills in journalism, from behind-the-scenes work to on-air presentation.
In 2008, Melvin moved to WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., where he served as a weekend anchor.
This position allowed him to cover national news and events, further expanding his expertise and exposure to a broader audience.
His time at WRC-TV was pivotal in preparing him for the next stage of his career.
Melvin joined MSNBC in 2011 as a daytime anchor, hosting MSNBC Live.
This role gave him a national platform to cover breaking news and current events, solidifying his presence in the media landscape.
He became a part of NBC News in 2012, contributing to various programs, including Today and NBC Nightly News.”
His versatility and ability to handle a wide range of news topics made him a valuable asset to the network.
In 2018, Melvin began co-hosting the Today Third Hour alongside Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones.
This role allowed him to engage in lighter, lifestyle-focused content, showcasing his ability to adapt to different formats.
He frequently filled in as an anchor for Today and NBC Nightly News, demonstrating his readiness for more prominent roles.