Craig Melvin’s Biography: A Versatile Journalist at NBC News and MSNBC
Craig Melvin is a prominent American broadcast journalist and anchor currently working for NBC News and MSNBC.
Early Life and Education:
Born Craig Delano Melvin in Columbia, South Carolina, he showed an early interest in journalism.
He attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government.
Career:
Melvin’s broadcasting career began while he was still in high school, working as an “Our Generation Reporter” for NBC-affiliate WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1995 to 1997.
After college, he returned to WIS in 2001, working as a news photographer and producer before becoming a reporter and eventually a news anchor for their weekend and then weekday newscasts.
During his time at WIS, he received an Associated Press award for a story on innovative teaching and later Emmy Awards for his work as a news anchor.
In 2008, Melvin moved to WRC-TV, the NBC owned-and-operated station in Washington, D.C., where he served as a weekend anchor.
He joined NBC News and MSNBC in July 2011. Since then, he has covered a wide range of significant news events, including:
- Republican and Democratic National Conventions
- Presidential Inaugurations
- Mass shootings across the country (e.g., Sandy Hook, Charleston, Orlando, Dallas)
- Police-involved shootings and subsequent protests
- The Alex Murdaugh murder investigation and trial
- Several Olympic Games and Super Bowls
Melvin’s roles at NBC News and MSNBC have evolved over time:
- “TODAY”: He is a co-anchor on NBC News’ “TODAY” and a co-host of the “3rd Hour of TODAY.” In January 2025, he officially became a co-anchor for the first and second hours of “TODAY.”
- MSNBC: He has anchored various programs, including “MSNBC Live with Craig Melvin.”
- “Dateline NBC”: He hosts syndicated “Dateline NBC” broadcasts and “Dateline Extra.”
- He also serves as a fill-in and substitute anchor for “NBC Nightly News.”
Notable Interviews:
Melvin has conducted notable interviews with political figures such as former President Bill Clinton, then-Vice President Joe Biden, former Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former Secretaries of State John Kerry, Mike Pompeo, and Condoleezza Rice.
Publications: He is the author of two books:
- Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father
- I’m Proud of You (a children’s book)
Personal Interest:
Melvin is also actively involved in several charities, including the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Age:
- Age: Craig Melvin was born on May 20, 1979, making him 46 years old (as of 2025).
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Nationality: American
Parents and Siblings:
- Father: Lawrence Melvin
- Mother: Betty Melvin
- Siblings: Craig has two brothers, Ryan Melvin and Rev. Lawrence Meadows, who sadly passed away from colon cancer in 2020. The Melvin family is close-knit, and Craig often speaks about his family’s influence on his life and career.
Wife:
Craig Melvin is married to Lindsay Czarniak, a seasoned sports broadcaster and journalist.
The two met in 2008 while working at an NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C., and quickly formed a connection that led to their engagement in Miami and marriage later that year in 2011.
Lindsay has worked with major networks like ESPN and Fox Sports, and she’s known for her coverage of the Olympics, NASCAR, and NFL.
Their relationship is often described as grounded and supportive, with both balancing high-profile careers and family life.
Together, they have two children:
- Delano Joseph Melvin (born March 10, 2014): Nicknamed “Del,” he’s energetic, curious, and already showing signs of following in his dad’s journalistic footsteps. He’s appeared on NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition and even interviewed NBA stars alongside his father.
- Sybil “Sibby” Ann Melvin (born November 5, 2016): Known for her playful spirit and love of tickle fights, Sybil has made sweet on-air appearances, once surprising Craig on his first day as co-anchor of Today in January 2025.
Craig often shares how fatherhood changed his perspective, saying he now works not just for himself, but to set an example for his kids.
In 2024, he even wrote a children’s book titled I’m Proud of You as a heartfelt tribute to Delano and Sybil.
Craig Melvin Height, Weight:
Craig Melvin stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and maintains an average weight of around 84 kilograms (185 pounds).
Career and Background:
Craig Melvin began his career in broadcasting at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked as a reporter and anchor.
His dedication and talent quickly garnered attention, leading him to join NBC News and MSNBC.
Over the years, he has taken on various roles, including reporting on major events, anchoring breaking news, and conducting high-profile interviews.
Melvin joined the “TODAY” show as a co-anchor, where his approachable yet professional style has won over audiences nationwide.
His work covers a range of topics, from hard news to lifestyle segments.
Here’s a deeper dive into his journey:
Early Career:
- Local News: Melvin began his career at WIS-TV in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, where he honed his skills as a reporter and anchor.
- Washington, D.C.: He moved on to WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., further solidifying his reputation as a talented journalist.
Rise to National Prominence:
- NBC News and MSNBC: In 2011, Melvin joined NBC News and MSNBC, where his career took off. He has held various roles, including:
- Weekend Anchor: He anchored “MSNBC Live” on weekends.
- Correspondent: He covered significant news events, such as the Asiana Airlines crash, the George Zimmerman trial, and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
- “Weekend TODAY” Co-Host: He co-hosted “Weekend TODAY” alongside Natalie Morales.
Current Roles:
- “TODAY” Show: Melvin is a prominent anchor on NBC’s “TODAY” show, where he delivers news updates, interviews, and participates in discussions on a wide range of topics.
- “TODAY Third Hour”: He co-hosts the third hour of the “TODAY” show, focusing on lifestyle, entertainment, and human-interest stories.
- “Dateline NBC”: He occasionally hosts “Dateline NBC,” a long-running true crime series.
Key Qualities:
- Versatility: Melvin seamlessly transitions between hard news, lighthearted features, and in-depth investigations.
- Empathy: He connects with viewers on an emotional level, particularly when covering human-interest stories.
- Strong Interviewing Skills: He conducts insightful interviews with a wide range of guests, from politicians to celebrities.
- Engaging Personality: His warm and approachable demeanor makes him a relatable and popular figure.
While Craig Melvin has conducted numerous memorable interviews and reports throughout his career, some of the most notable ones include:
- Interviews with prominent figures: Melvin has interviewed a wide range of influential people, including politicians, celebrities, and athletes. These interviews are often insightful and thought-provoking.
- Coverage of major news events: He has provided comprehensive coverage of significant news events, such as political conventions, presidential elections, and natural disasters. His reporting is known for its clarity, objectivity, and depth.
- Human-interest stories: Melvin has a knack for telling compelling human-interest stories. He often highlights the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, showcasing empathy and compassion.
- Investigative reports: He has also been involved in investigative reporting, uncovering important stories that have had a significant impact.
It’s important to note that specific examples of his most memorable interviews and reports may vary depending on individual preferences and recent events.
However, Melvin’s consistent dedication to quality journalism and his ability to connect with viewers have made him a trusted and respected figure in the news industry.
To find more specific examples, you can check recent news broadcasts on NBC News and MSNBC, or search for clips of his interviews on platforms like YouTube.
Craig Melvin has built strong professional relationships with many of his colleagues at NBC News and MSNBC. Some of his closest colleagues on the “Today” show include:
- Savannah Guthrie: A seasoned journalist and co-anchor of the “Today” show, Guthrie and Melvin often work together on the show and share a friendly and professional rapport.
- Hoda Kotb: Another co-anchor of the “Today” show, Kotb is known for her warm and bubbly personality. She and Melvin often collaborate on segments and have a good working relationship.
- Al Roker: The beloved weatherman of the “Today” show, Roker is a long-time colleague of Melvin’s. They often share laughs and banter on the show.
- Sheinelle Jones: A fellow news anchor on the “Today” show, Jones and Melvin frequently work together on various segments and often share behind-the-scenes moments on social media.
It’s important to note that these are just a few of Melvin’s close colleagues at NBC.
He has strong relationships with many other journalists and anchors at the network, and they often support and collaborate with each other on various projects.
Craig Melvin Book:
As of now, Craig Melvin has authored one book:
- Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father: This heartfelt memoir explores Melvin’s relationship with his father and his own journey to fatherhood. It delves into themes of family, addiction, and resilience.
Net Worth and Salary:
Craig Melvin’s estimated net worth is around $9 million, with an annual salary reportedly around $3 million due to his long-standing roles with NBC News and MSNBC.
Is Craig Melvin Married?
Yes, Craig Melvin is married to Lindsay Czarniak, an award-winning sportscaster and reporter.
They married on October 15, 2011, and reside in Connecticut with their two children, son Delano (“Del”) and daughter Sybil (“Sibby”).
How Old Is Craig Melvin?
As of 2025, Craig Melvin is 46 years old, having been born on May 20, 1979.
What happened to Craig Melvin?
As of now, there’s no significant news or incident regarding Craig Melvin that has impacted his career or personal life. He continues to be a prominent figure at NBC News and MSNBC, hosting the “Today” show and other programs.
Where Is Craig Melvin Working?
Craig Melvin is working as a co-anchor on NBC’s Today show, having officially stepped into the role in January 2025.
He replaced Hoda Kotb on the main news desk and now co-anchors alongside Savannah Guthrie. In addition to his duties on Today, he continues to appear during the show’s Third Hour segment.
Beyond television, Melvin has also expanded his career into print media. He recently launched a recurring column titled “Mr. Southern Living” in Southern Living magazine, where he shares personal stories and reflections on Southern traditions, family life, and his upbringing in South Carolina.
Craig Melvin is active on social media! He uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with his audience, share updates about his work, and provide behind-the-scenes insights into his life and career.
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