Craig Melvin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Craig Melvin
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Melvin in 2016
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| Born |
Craig Delano Melvin
May 20, 1979 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Education | Wofford College (BA) |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | NBC News and MSNBC anchor and reporter |
| Spouse(s) |
Lindsay Czarniak
(m. 2011) |
| Children | 2 |
Craig Delano Melvin is a well-known American TV journalist. He was born on May 20, 1979. Craig works as an anchor and reporter for NBC News and MSNBC. You might know him best from NBC's Today show. He became a co-anchor for the first two hours of Today in January 2025. He also sometimes fills in as an anchor for NBC Nightly News.
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Early Life and Education
Craig Delano Melvin was born in Columbia, South Carolina. His parents are Lawrence and Betty Melvin. He has a younger brother named Ryan.
When he was in high school in 1996, Craig was chosen for an important role. He became the first African-American president of Key Club International. This is a student-led group that helps communities. In 2001, he graduated from Wofford College. He earned a degree called a Bachelor of Arts in government. While in college, he was part of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He also helped with South Carolina's Palmetto Boys State program.
Craig's Journalism Career
Craig Melvin started his career in TV journalism very early. From 1995 to 1997, he worked at WIS-TV in Columbia, South Carolina. He was still in high school then, working as an "Our Generation Reporter."
After college, he returned to WIS-TV in 2001. He started as a news photographer and producer. Soon, he became a reporter for the morning news team. He even had his own live segments called "Craig Cam." Later, he became a news anchor for weekend and then weekday newscasts. At WIS-TV, Craig also created special news series. These series looked at important issues like education and helping people experiencing homelessness.
In 2008, Craig moved to Washington, D.C.. He joined WRC-TV, another NBC station. There, he anchored the weekend evening news.
Joining NBC News and MSNBC
In 2011, Craig Melvin joined MSNBC as a daytime anchor. He also started reporting for NBC News. He covered many big events. In 2012, he reported on the national political conventions. He also covered the sad events at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
In 2013, he reported on the 2013 Moore tornado and the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214. He also covered the George Zimmerman trial. In 2014, he reported on the shooting of Michael Brown and the murder of Hannah Graham. In 2015, he covered the Charleston church shooting and the death of Freddie Gray.
In 2016, Craig reported on the 2016 shooting of Dallas police officers. He also covered the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. That same year, he became an anchor for MSNBC Live, which is now called MSNBC Reports.
In 2017, Craig hosted a true crime TV series. It was called Dateline: Secrets Uncovered and aired on Oxygen.
In 2018, Craig reported from Pyeongchang County for the 2018 Winter Olympics. He also got a big promotion at Today. He became a weekday news anchor in September. In October, he joined the hosts of Today Third Hour.
In December 2020, Craig helped host NBC's yearly broadcast of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting. In March 2022, he announced he would leave his MSNBC Reports show. This was to focus more on his role at Today.
On January 13, 2025, Craig became a co-anchor for the first two hours of Today. He now works alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Personal Life
Craig Melvin is married to Lindsay Czarniak. She was a sports anchor for ESPN and a reporter for WRC-TV. They got married on October 15, 2011. They live in Connecticut.
Craig and Lindsay have two children. Their son, Delano (who they call "Del"), was born in March 2014. Their daughter, Sybil (who they call "Sibby"), was born in November 2016. Craig is a Christian and goes to a congregational church.
Career Timeline
- 2001–2008: WIS-TV anchor and reporter, Columbia, S.C.
- 2008–2011: WRC-TV 6 PM and 11 PM weekend news anchor, Washington, D.C.
- 2011–present: NBC News/MSNBC
- 2011–2014: MSNBC Live weekend anchor
- 2012–present: NBC News correspondent
- 2015–2018: Weekend Today co-anchor
- 2016–2022: MSNBC Live anchor
- 2016–present: Dateline Extra Anchor
- 2017: Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly correspondent
- 2018–2025: Today news anchor
- 2018–present: Today Third Hour host
- 2025–present: Today co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie
- 2025–present: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade host
Awards and Recognition
Craig Melvin has won several awards for his journalism.
- In 1996, he received an Associated Press award. This was for a story he did on new ways of teaching. He was one of the youngest people ever to get this award.
- In 2003 and 2005, Craig shared in Emmy Awards won by WIS-TV. These awards were for having the best newscast.
- In 2006, Craig received his own Emmy Award. This was for his excellent work as a news anchor.
- In 2007, the South Carolina Broadcaster's Association named him "Best Anchor."
Images for kids
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Melvin in 2016
