Harry Smith is returning to NBC News as a contributor two years after leaving the network. The veteran journalist will produce “Common Good” feature stories across NBC News platforms.
What We Know: Smith will contribute “Common Good” feature stories for Today, NBC Nightly News, and NBC News NOW. He’ll make his first official assignment Monday evening at NBC News’ Common Ground event, where he’ll speak with violinist and Music Kitchen founder Kelly Hall-Tompkins. Smith previously spent 12 years at NBC News before leaving in March 2024 and returning to his alma mater, Central College in Iowa, as a professor. People first reported the news, and Smith’s comments were to the publication.
What They Said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do what I have done for so long: tell America’s story. I have long believed that there is more that unites us than divides us. It’s in our bones. It’s part of America’s DNA … I’ve had just this unbelievable array of phenomenal experiences since coming to NBC, and so I’m really full of nothing but gratitude.” -Harry Smith
What Remains Unclear: NBC News hasn’t detailed how frequently Smith’s “Common Good” stories will appear or how the network will distribute the features across its television and streaming platforms. His new role also doesn’t appear to include a return to a regular anchor position.
What It Means: Smith’s return brings a familiar NBC News correspondent back into the network’s programming mix. During his first stint, he reported stories, occasionally anchored NBC Nightly News, and contributed to Today through the “Sundays with Harry” segment.
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