Harry Smith Returns to NBC News as Contributor

Veteran journalist Harry Smith is returning to NBC News as a contributor, more than two years after his departure from the network. Smith will be reporting on feature stories for the “Today” show, “NBC Nightly News,” and NBC News live events, serving as a special correspondent for the “Common Good” series.

He made his return on Monday during “Common Ground,” a live NBC News special event, where he reported on a doctor using cello music to treat cancer and genetic diseases. Smith stated that he has long believed in the unifying power of shared experiences, noting, “It’s in our bones. It’s part of America’s DNA.” He will focus on heartwarming, community-based stories in his new role.

Smith departed NBC News in March 2024, having spent 12 years with the network. Following his exit, he returned to his alma mater, Central College in Iowa, to teach a class on curiosity. During his farewell on the “Today” show, Smith expressed gratitude for his time at NBC, calling his experiences “unbelievable” and emphasizing the warm reception he always received.

During his previous tenure at NBC News, Smith conducted high-profile interviews with figures such as Cher, Madonna, and Julia Roberts. He also occasionally anchored “NBC Nightly News” and hosted a weekly segment titled “Sundays with Harry” on the “Today” show. Prior to NBC, Smith spent 25 years at CBS News, where he hosted “CBS This Morning” and its predecessor, “The Early Show,” for a combined 17 years. His contributions to NBC News also included work on the newsmagazine “Rock Center with Brian Williams” before its cancellation in 2013.